Describe the characteristic curve of a Zener diode in both forward and reverse bias regions.

In forward bias, it shows normal diode behaviour (conducting above threshold voltage). In reverse bias, it shows a sharp breakdown at a specific reverse voltage called the Zener breakdown voltage.

What is the Zener breakdown voltage?

The reverse voltage at which the Zener diode begins to conduct significantly in the reverse direction.

Why does a Zener diode require a minimum operating current?

To maintain stable operation at the breakdown voltage.

What is the anode of a Zener diode?

The terminal connected to the p-type semiconductor material.

What is the cathode of a Zener diode?

The terminal connected to the n-type semiconductor material, typically marked with a band on the component.

AQA A-Level Physics 7408

Measurements and Their Errors

Topic overview Use of SI units and their prefixes Limitation of physical measurements Estimation of physical quantities

Particles and Radiation

Topic overview Constituents of the atom Stable and unstable nuclei Particles, antiparticles and photons Particle interactions Classification of particles Quarks and antiquarks Applications of conservation laws The photoelectric effect Collisions of electrons with atoms Energy levels and photon emission Wave-particle duality

Waves

Topic overview Progressive waves Longitudinal and transverse waves Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves Interference Diffraction Refraction at a plane surface

Mechanics and Materials

Topic overview Scalars and vectors Moments Motion along a straight line Projectile motion Newton's laws of motion Momentum Work, energy and power Conservation of energy Bulk properties of solids The Young modulus

Electricity

Topic overview Basics of electricity Current–voltage characteristics Resistivity Circuits Potential divider Electromotive force and internal resistance

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Topic overview Circular motion Simple harmonic motion (SHM)Simple harmonic systems Forced vibrations and resonance Thermal energy transfer Ideal gases Molecular kinetic theory model

Fields and Their Consequences

Topic overview Fields Newton's law Gravitational field strength Gravitational potential Orbits of planets and satellites Coulomb's law Electric field strength Electric potential Capacitance Parallel plate capacitor Energy stored by a capacitor Capacitor charge and discharge Magnetic flux density Moving charges in a magnetic field Magnetic flux and flux linkage Electromagnetic induction Alternating currents Transformers

Nuclear Physics

Topic overview Rutherford scattering α, β and γ radiation Radioactive decay Nuclear instability Nuclear radius Mass and energy Induced fission Safety aspects

AstrophysicsOptional topic

Topic overview Astronomical telescope consisting of two converging lenses Reflecting telescopes Single dish radio telescopes, I-R, U-V and X-ray telescopes Advantages of large diameter telescopes Classification by luminosity Absolute magnitude, M Classification by temperature, black-body radiation Principles of the use of stellar spectral classes The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram Supernovae, neutron stars and black holes Doppler effect Hubble's law Quasars Detection of exoplanets

Medical PhysicsOptional topic

Engineering PhysicsOptional topic

Topic overview Concept of moment of inertia Rotational kinetic energy Rotational motion Torque and angular acceleration Angular momentum Work and power First law of thermodynamics Non-flow processes The p–V diagram Engine cycles Second Law and engines Reversed heat engines

Turning Points in PhysicsOptional topic

Topic overview Cathode rays Thermionic emission of electrons Specific charge of the electron Principle of Millikan's determination of the electronic charge, e Newton's corpuscular theory of light Significance of Young's double slits experiment Electromagnetic waves The discovery of photoelectricity Wave–particle duality Electron microscopes The Michelson-Morley experiment Einstein's theory of special relativity Time dilation Length contraction Relativistic mass and energy

ElectronicsOptional topic

Topic overview MOSFET (metal-oxide semiconducting field-effect transistor)Zener diode Photodiode Hall effect sensor Difference between analogue and digital signals LC resonance filters The ideal operational amplifier Inverting amplifier configuration Non-inverting amplifier configuration Summing amplifier configuration Real operational amplifiers Combinational logic Sequential logic Astables Principles of communication systems Transmission media Time-division multiplexing Amplitude (AM) and frequency modulation (FM) techniques

Electronics

Zener diode

3 things to know
Paper 3, section B

Overview

The characteristic in forward and reverse bias, breakdown voltage, and voltage regulation.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What does a Zener diode's characteristic curve look like, and what is its breakdown voltage?

Key term

What are the anode and cathode of a Zener diode, and how is the cathode marked?

Process

What happens to the voltage across a Zener diode as the reverse current through it increases beyond the breakdown point?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Describe the characteristic curve of a Zener diode in both forward and reverse bias regions.
Model answer
In forward bias, it shows normal diode behaviour (conducting above threshold voltage). In reverse bias, it shows a sharp breakdown at a specific reverse voltage called the Zener breakdown voltage.
2
What is the Zener breakdown voltage?
Model answer
The reverse voltage at which the Zener diode begins to conduct significantly in the reverse direction.
3
In which direction does significant current flow through a Zener diode when it is operating at its breakdown voltage?
Model answer
In the reverse direction.
4
Why does a Zener diode require a minimum operating current?
Model answer
To maintain stable operation at the breakdown voltage.
5
What is the anode of a Zener diode?
Model answer
The terminal connected to the p-type semiconductor material.
6
What is the cathode of a Zener diode?
Model answer
The terminal connected to the n-type semiconductor material, typically marked with a band on the component.

See the rest and revise

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

1Closed book

2Open book

3Closed book

The 3-step method, run for you

Answer cold, learn it, then prove it stuck. Levo tracks the jump between your first attempt and your last.

Measurements and Their Errors

Particles and Radiation

Waves

Mechanics and Materials

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Sort every topic into what you know and what you do not, then drill only the weak ones.

Q is .

positivenegativezero

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Rapid timed gap-fills on the terms and numbers you need to recall without thinking.

AP = 4πr²σT⁴.

BThe surface area of a spherical star is 4πr².

CP₁/P₂ = (r₁²/r₂²) × (T₁⁴/T₂⁴).

Build It gets the exam shape right

Assemble a full-mark answer from its marking points, in the order an examiner wants them.

Speed means rate of change of distance.

TrueFalse

Test It catches misconceptions

Spot the fault in a statement. The traps are the mistakes students actually make.

721941163128510

Brain Breaks between sessions

Short focus games to reset attention, so the next set lands better than the last.

Every question in Electronics, on a schedule.

Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.

Start revising, £5 a month See how the method works

Or £46 a year, about £3.83 a month. Cancel anytime.