NEIEP Mechanics Practice Exam

What are the terminal designations of a diode?

1. Emitter and collector

2. Anode and cathode

3. Source and drain

4. Positive and negative

The correct answer is: Anode and cathode

The terminal designations of a diode are referred to as the anode and cathode. This terminology is crucial in understanding how a diode operates within a circuit. The anode is the positive side of the diode, where current enters when the diode is forward-biased, allowing current to flow through. In contrast, the cathode is the negative side, which typically has a flat or marked end on the diode package. Current flow in a diode occurs primarily from the anode to the cathode, and this unidirectional current flow is the fundamental characteristic that enables diodes to control electrical signals and prevent backflow. Understanding the roles of the anode and cathode is essential for correctly integrating diodes in various electrical and electronic applications, such as rectifiers and signal modulation, where directional current flow is necessary.