A Zener of power rating 1 W is to be used as a voltage regulator. If Zener has a breakdown of 5 V and it has to regulate voltage which fluctuated between 3 V and 7 V, what should be the value of Rs for safe operation (see figure)?

                           

Hint: The rest of the maximum voltage should drop in the external resistance.
Step 1: Find the current in the Zener diode.
Given,
power=1W
ZenerbreakdownVz=5V
MinimumvoltageVmin=3V
MaximumvoltageVmax=7V
CurrentIZmax=PVZ=15=0.2A
Step 2: Find the value of the external resistance.
ThevalueofRsforsafeoperationRs=Vmax-VZIZmax=7-50.2=20.2=10Ω