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Diodes are not perfect devices. When current flows through a diode, it offers some resistance. And the resistive characteristic will cause the generation of thermal energy - which is heat. Diodes come in different "flavors" or types, and they also have ratings. These ratings include the amount of current they are capable of carrying, the reverse voltage they can withstand, and some other characteristics. In the case of zener diodes, they have a current rating, a breakdown voltage rating, and a wattage rating that speaks to the amount of heat the package can dissipate. If we look at something like a rectifier diode rated at, say, a hundred amps, it will be stud mounted. Additionally, there will be specifications regarding the size of the heat sink onto which it is fastened. Again, these diodes will generate heat because their forward resistance, while low, is not zero. Even at a fraction of an ohm of resistance, at a hundred amps, there will be some heat generated when the diode conducts. The devices will need to be bolted up to a pretty heavy plate of aluminum to give the heat some place to go.

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