Question

From the Zener diode circuit shown in figure, the current through the Zener diode is

• A. $34mA$
• B. $31.5mA$
• C. $36.5mA$
• D. $2.5mA$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The current through the load resistance, $I_1=\frac{V_{zener}}{R_{Load}}=\frac{50}{20\times {10}^3}=2.5\times {10}^{-3}A$

The current through the $5\text{k}\Omega$ resistance, $I_2=\frac{E-V_{zener}}{R}=\frac{220-50}{5\times {10}^3}=34\times {10}^{-3}A$

Clearly, the Zener current, $I_{zener}=I_2-I_1=\left(34-2.5\right)\times {10}^{-3}A=31.5mA$

Option (B) is correct.