What component is typically used alongside a power supply to regulate voltage?

A Zener diode is commonly used alongside a power supply to regulate voltage. Its unique characteristic is the ability to maintain a constant voltage across it when it is reverse-biased, as long as the current flowing through the diode is within a certain range. This property makes Zener diodes ideal for applications requiring voltage regulation, such as in power supply circuits.

When incorporated into a circuit, the Zener diode is connected in reverse bias across the load, and any voltage exceeding the Zener breakdown voltage is clamped, ensuring the voltage remains stable. This feature is particularly valuable in scenarios where a consistent voltage level is essential for the proper operation of electronic components.

In contrast, although resistors, capacitors, and transistors can play roles in voltage regulation circuits, they do not provide the same level of voltage stability as a Zener diode. Resistors can drop voltage but do not regulate it effectively at varying load conditions. Capacitors are used primarily for filtering and smoothing voltage but again do not regulate voltage on their own. Transistors can act as amplifiers or switches, and when designed in specific configurations, can help with regulation, but they are more complex and typically used as part of a broader regulation circuit rather than a simple voltage regulation component like