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The figure represents a voltage regulator circuit using a Zener diode. The breakdown voltage of the Zener diode is 6 V and the load resistance is, R_L=4 kΩ. The series resistance of the circuit is Rᵢ=1 kΩ. If the battery voltage V_B varies from 8 V to 16 V, what are the minimum and maximum values of the current through Zener diode? [Figure: battery V_B, series Rᵢ, Zener across the load R_L.]

Asked in JEE Main 10th April 2nd Shift 2019 · Zener current and series resistance

Figure: Zener current and series resistance
Answer: (1) 0.5 mA; 8.5 mA

Step-by-step solution

Load current is fixed: I_L=6/(4 kΩ)=1.5 mA

At 8 V: I=(8-6)/(1 kΩ)=2 mA, I_Z=0.5 mA

At 16 V: I=(16-6)/(1 kΩ)=10 mA, I_Z=8.5 mA

Why the other options are wrong

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