PN junctions and diodes

Of the two terminals of a PN junction diode, what is the terminal on the p-type side called?

  1. AAnode
  2. BGate
  3. CCathode
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Answer: A. Anode

The terminal on the p-type side of a diode is called the anode, and the terminal on the n-type side is the cathode. When the anode is at a higher potential than the cathode, the diode is forward biased and current flows. In the circuit symbol, the triangle side is the anode and the bar side is the cathode.

  • A. Correct. The p-type side terminal is the anode.
  • B. A gate is the control terminal of a MOSFET or thyristor; a diode has none.
  • C. The cathode is the n-type side terminal.
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