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Difficulty: EasyDiodes

A semiconductor diode is a two-terminal electronic component that acts as a one-way valve for electric current. For current to conduct freely through a standard diode in a direct current (DC) circuit, how must the diode be connected relative to the power source?

  1. A
    The cathode must be connected toward the positive voltage terminal and the anode toward the negative terminal.
  2. The anode must be connected toward the positive voltage terminal and the cathode toward the negative terminal.Answer
  3. C
    Both the anode and cathode must be connected to the positive terminal of the power source.
  4. D
    The diode must be connected to an alternating current source so voltage polarities constantly reverse.

Answer

The anode must be connected toward the positive voltage terminal and the cathode toward the negative terminal.
A diode conducts electric current when it is placed in forward bias. In a direct current circuit, forward bias is established by connecting the anode toward the positive terminal of the power supply and the cathode toward the negative terminal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two terminals of a standard diode and the condition needed for conduction.
A diode has an anode (p-type material) and a cathode (n-type material), and it conducts current only when forward-biased.
Understanding diode terminal polarity is necessary to determine proper circuit orientation.
2
Determine the voltage orientation required to forward-bias the diode.
The anode must be at a higher electrical potential than the cathode.
Applying a positive voltage to the anode and a negative voltage to the cathode overcomes the internal barrier potential, narrowing the depletion region and permitting current flow.

Key Concept

A semiconductor diode allows current to flow when it is forward-biased, which occurs when the anode is connected toward the positive supply voltage and the cathode toward the negative side.
Estimated Time:45s
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Diodes

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