diodes and LEDs

• Diode


  A component that allows current to flow in one direction only
• Diode


  • Has a very high resistance in the reverse direction
  • Current can only flow in the forward direction
• Current-Potential Difference Graph for a Diode

  1. No current can flow in the reverse direction

  2. In the forward direction, current increases as potential difference increases
• Light-Emitting Diode (LED)


  A type of diode that gives off light when current flows through it
• LED


  • Similar to a normal diode, only allows current to flow in the forward direction
  • Extremely energy-efficient source of light
• LEDs are found in many electronic appliances (e.g. camera flashes, LED light bulbs, LED televisions)