Concept:
A Zener diode is a specially designed heavily doped PN junction diode intended to operate in reverse breakdown region.
Important properties:
• sharp reverse breakdown,
• low breakdown voltage,
• nearly constant voltage after breakdown.
Step 1: Understanding Zener diode operation.
When reverse voltage reaches the Zener breakdown voltage:
\[
V_Z
\]
the diode suddenly conducts heavily while maintaining almost constant voltage.
Step 2: Analyzing option (1).
Statement:
\[
\text{Forward voltage rating is high}
\]
This is incorrect.
Zener diode forward characteristics are similar to ordinary silicon diodes:
\[
V_F \approx 0.7V
\]
Hence this option is false.
Step 3: Analyzing option (2).
Statement:
\[
\text{Sharp breakdown occurs at low reverse voltage}
\]
This is correct.
Because of heavy doping:
• depletion region becomes thin,
• breakdown occurs at comparatively low reverse voltage,
• breakdown is sharp and well defined.
Hence this option is correct.
Step 4: Analyzing option (3).
Negative resistance characteristic is associated with devices such as tunnel diode, not ordinary Zener diode operation.
Hence this option is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyzing option (4).
This statement is opposite to actual Zener behavior.
Zener diode is specifically known for sharp breakdown.
Hence this option is incorrect.
Step 6: Selecting the correct answer.
Therefore the correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{(2)}
\]