How to Connect Diodes
How to Connect Diodes Diodes are semiconductor materials that behave like switches. They are open to electricity in one direction and short-circuited in the other, meaning that current is allowed to flow in only one direction. Silicon and germanium are two materials they are often made from. The symbol for a diode is an arrow to show the direction current flow is allowed. A diode placed in a circuit this way is known as forward-biased. A diode with current flow in the wrong direction is called reverse-biased. Ordinary reverse-biased diodes will finally allow current when there is too much current flowing the wrong way. When this happens, they are destroyed. Things You'll Need Silicon diode, such as a 1N4001 Resistor Multimeter Breadboard Jumper wires Battery Instructions Measure the forward-biased voltage on the diode by placing the multimeter on the diode setting. Put the positive or red lead on the anode side of the diode, which is unmar...