Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a Zener regulator circuit, the Zener voltage is constant at \(V_z = 10\) V. Current through \(R_1\) (load) and Zener are found by Kirchhoff's laws.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Current through \(R_1 = 500\,\Omega\): \(I_{R_1} = V_z/R_1 = 10/500 = 20\) mA. Wait -- \(R_1 = 1500\,\Omega\) in parallel, \(500\,\Omega\) in series. Voltage across \(R_1 (1500\,\Omega) = 10\) V: \(I_{1500} = 10/1500 = 6.67\) mA. Current through series \(500\,\Omega\): \(I = (15-10)/500 = 10\) mA. Zener current: \(I_z = 10 - 6.67 = 3.33\) mA.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Current through Zener diode \(= 3.33\) mA.