The I-V characteristics of the zener diodes D1 and D2 are shown in Figure I. These diodes are used in the circuit given in Figure II. If the supply voltage is varied from $0$ to $100 \ \text{V}$, then breakdown occurs in
To solve this problem, we need to analyze the I-V characteristics of the zener diodes D1 and D2 shown in Figure I, and how they are used in the circuit shown in Figure II. The key point is to determine under which conditions each zener diode will enter breakdown when the supply voltage varies from 0 to 100 V.
The I-V characteristics in Figure I indicate the breakdown voltages of D1 and D2 as -80 V and -70 V respectively. In the circuit of Figure II, these zener diodes are connected in series with opposite polarities, and a variable supply voltage (V) is applied across them.
Therefore, only D1 undergoes breakdown when the supply voltage varies from 0 to 100 V. This explains why the correct answer is D1 only.
The value of zener current is
Zener diodes are used as _______.
As shown in the circuit, the initial voltage across the capacitor is 10 V, with the switch being open. The switch is then closed at $t = 0$. The total energy dissipated in the ideal Zener diode ($V_Z = 5$ V) after the switch is closed (in mJ, rounded off to three decimal places) is _____________.