Which statement is true regarding the operation of a Zener diode?

A Zener diode is specifically designed to allow current to flow in the reverse direction when the voltage exceeds a certain level known as the Zener breakdown voltage. This characteristic makes it particularly useful for voltage regulation. When the reverse voltage applied to a Zener diode exceeds its breakdown voltage, it will maintain a nearly constant voltage across itself, allowing it to stabilize voltage levels in electronic circuits.

For example, if a circuit requires a stable voltage supply, the Zener diode can be positioned parallel to the load to ensure that the voltage does not exceed the desired level, effectively clamping the output voltage to this regulated value. This property is utilized in various applications, including power supply circuits and voltage reference circuits.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately describe the primary function or characteristics of a Zener diode. While it is true that the Zener diode operates in reverse bias, this is not its sole function, as it also maintains a constant voltage when reverse-biased beyond the breakdown voltage. Its primary application is in voltage regulation, making the characterization of it as ineffective in low voltage circuits inaccurate, as Zener diodes can operate effectively at various voltage levels, depending on their design and specifications. Moreover, high-frequency performance is not a defining characteristic of Z