Reverse breakdown
What Reverse breakdown means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Reverse breakdown
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Reverse breakdown in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The state in which a Zener diode is normally operated, where the voltage across it stays almost constant even when the current through it changes.
Topics that use Reverse breakdown
- Zener diode (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Cathode
- Circuit application
- Current limiting
- Current limiting and power dissipation
- Forward bias
- Minimum operating current
- Reverse bias
- Reverse breakdown operation
Using Reverse breakdown in the exam
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