An ideal Zener diode is reverse biased using input voltage Vᵢ = -5 V. Its breakdown voltage magnitude is 3 V. With the resistor and points A and B connected as in the source diagram, find the magnitude of voltage difference |V(B) - V(A)|. Image
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Question

An ideal Zener diode is reverse biased using input voltage Vᵢ = -5 V. Its breakdown voltage magnitude is 3 V. With the resistor and points A and B connected as in the source diagram, find the magnitude of voltage difference |V(B) - V(A)|. Image

Options

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: The ideal Zener diode operates in reverse breakdown because the applied reverse supply magnitude 5 V exceeds its breakdown magnitude 3 V. Step 2: The Zener therefore maintains a constant magnitude of 3 V across its terminals. Step 3: Kirchhoff's voltage law gives the remaining voltage across resistor R: |V(B) − V(A)| = |Vᵢ| − V_Z. Step 4: Substitute 5 − 3 = 2 V. Final answer: 2 V (Option B).

An ideal Zener diode is reverse biased using input voltage Vᵢ = −5 V. Its breakdown voltage magnitude is 3 V. With the resistor and points A and B connected as in the source diagram, find the magnitude of voltage difference |V(B) − V(A)|. Image