What are the names for the electrodes of a diode?

• A. Anode and cathode
• B. Positive and negative
• C. Emitter and collector
• D. Source and drain

Answer: (A)

The electrodes of a diode are referred to as the anode and cathode. The anode is the positive side where the current enters, and the cathode is the negative side where the current flows out. This terminology is essential for understanding how a diode functions within an electrical circuit. Diodes allow current to flow in one direction—from the anode to the cathode—while restricting flow in the reverse direction, which is crucial for various applications such as rectification and signal processing.

Other terms in the choices relate to different components in electronic devices. For instance, emitter and collector are terms associated with transistors, describing their connection points. Positive and negative are general terms used in electrical circuits but do not specify the unique roles of the electrodes in a diode. Source and drain are used in field-effect transistors (FETs) to describe terminals where current enters and exits, but again, they do not pertain to diodes. Thus, the designation of anode and cathode is specific to diodes and fundamental in understanding their operation.