Snap Circuits Science: The Diode
Friday, December 5, 2014 - 12:20
in Physics & Chemistry
The diode has a number of applications in electronic circuits. One application you may be familiar with is a rectifier. A rectifier converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Alternating current periodically changes direction while direct current only flows in one direction. "The most common function of a diode," according to Wikipedia, "is to allow an electric current to pass in one direction (called the diode's forward direction), while blocking current in the opposite direction (the reverse direction)." It’s easy to demonstrate how the diode will let current flow in one direction but block the flow of current in the opposite direction. Parts needed: read more