What are the names for the electrodes of a diode?
The correct answer is C: Anode and cathode. The electrodes of a diode are called the anode and cathode. The anode is the positive terminal (P-type material in a semiconductor diode), and the cathode is the negative terminal (N-type material), marked with a stripe on the package. Current flows from anode to cathode when the diode is forward-biased. This terminology comes from vacuum tube technology and has been carried over to semiconductor diodes. For amateur radio operators, understanding diode electrode names is essential when reading schematics, installing diodes in circuits, and troubleshooting equipment. The anode-cathode terminology is universal across all diode types, including signal diodes, rectifier diodes, Zener diodes, and LEDs.
Exam Tip
Diodes have anode and cathode. Transistors have different names (gate/drain/source for FETs, base/emitter/collector for BJTs). If the question asks about diode electrodes specifically, the answer is anode and cathode.
Memory Aid
"Diode = Anode and Cathode. Think 'A'node = 'A'ccepts current (positive), 'C'athode = 'C'ompletes circuit (negative, striped)."
Real-World Application
When installing a rectifier diode in your power supply, you connect the anode (positive, unmarked end) to the AC input and the cathode (negative, striped end) to the positive DC output. This allows current to flow in only one direction, converting AC to DC. Understanding which end is anode and which is cathode ensures proper circuit operation and prevents damage from reverse connections.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A (Plus and minus): Incorrect. While anode is positive and cathode is negative, the correct terminology is 'anode' and 'cathode,' not 'plus' and 'minus.' These are the standard technical terms.
Option B (Source and drain): Incorrect. Source and drain are the terminals of field-effect transistors (FETs), not diodes. Diodes have anode and cathode terminals.
Option D (Gate and base): Incorrect. Gate is a FET terminal, and base is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) terminal. Diodes don't have these - they have anode and cathode.
题目解析
The correct answer is C: Anode and cathode. The electrodes of a diode are called the anode and cathode. The anode is the positive terminal (P-type material in a semiconductor diode), and the cathode is the negative terminal (N-type material), marked with a stripe on the package. Current flows from anode to cathode when the diode is forward-biased. This terminology comes from vacuum tube technology and has been carried over to semiconductor diodes. For amateur radio operators, understanding diode electrode names is essential when reading schematics, installing diodes in circuits, and troubleshooting equipment. The anode-cathode terminology is universal across all diode types, including signal diodes, rectifier diodes, Zener diodes, and LEDs.
考试技巧
Diodes have anode and cathode. Transistors have different names (gate/drain/source for FETs, base/emitter/collector for BJTs). If the question asks about diode electrodes specifically, the answer is anode and cathode.
记忆口诀
Diode = Anode and Cathode. Think 'A'node = 'A'ccepts current (positive), 'C'athode = 'C'ompletes circuit (negative, striped).
实际应用示例
When installing a rectifier diode in your power supply, you connect the anode (positive, unmarked end) to the AC input and the cathode (negative, striped end) to the positive DC output. This allows current to flow in only one direction, converting AC to DC. Understanding which end is anode and which is cathode ensures proper circuit operation and prevents damage from reverse connections.
错误选项分析
Option A (Plus and minus): Incorrect. While anode is positive and cathode is negative, the correct terminology is 'anode' and 'cathode,' not 'plus' and 'minus.' These are the standard technical terms. Option B (Source and drain): Incorrect. Source and drain are the terminals of field-effect transistors (FETs), not diodes. Diodes have anode and cathode terminals. Option D (Gate and base): Incorrect. Gate is a FET terminal, and base is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) terminal. Diodes don't have these - they have anode and cathode.
知识点
Diode electrodes, Anode and cathode, Diode terminology, Component identification
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.