Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A V Zener diode is used in a regulator. The input is V, the series resistor is and the load is . Find the current in the series resistor, the current in the load, the current in the Zener diode and the power that the Zener diode uses.
In a Zener regulator, , the series current is , the load takes , and the Zener diode takes . The Zener current must stay between and .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. The series resistor. mA.
Step 2. The load. mA.
Step 3. The Zener diode. mA.
Step 4. The power. mW.
Answer: mA, mA, mA and mW.
Check. The power is less than the usual rating of mW, so the diode is safe. If the load were removed, the Zener diode would take all mA, which is mW.
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