Experiment.4

I built this circuit on a breadboard using a 1k resistor, a 5v1 400mW Zener diode and a 1n4007 rectifier diode.

Vs =10v & 15v, R =1kohm ,1x zener diode ,1x rectifier diode.

Zd= 5.1v

d= 0.7v

I then had to test the voltage drop with my multimeter at each point around the circuit for both a 10v Vs and a 15v Vs these points tested being: Resistor, zener diode, rectifier diode and before zener diode to after rectifier diode..

Results..

Calculation for amp current:

10v: I=V/R=(10 - 5.1 - 0.7)1000= 4.2ma...

15v: I=V/R=(15 - 5.1 - 0.7)1000= 9.2ma...

Conclusion:

When the zener diode is placed in reverse bias it takes 5.1v just to start passing volt's through or to let it run...And a normal rectifier diode roughly 0.7v to let it run.

Therefore the voltage drop across the zener diode and the rectifier diode would be 5.8v (5.1+0.7=5.8v)

Voltage drop through the diodes will always stay the same, only if there was a power surge or too high voltage running through them-then they may be damaged.