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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-diode-anode-cathode

What are the names for the electrodes of a diode?

Anode and cathode.

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  1. Plus and minus
  2. Anode and cathode ✔
  3. Source and drain

Why: A diode's two electrodes are the anode and cathode. Conventional current flows from anode to cathode when the diode is forward biased.

Huh, didn't know that: The word diode reflects that the device has two electrodes.

The dad joke
Why are the anode and cathode such good friends? They're on opposite ends but always connected.
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References

Answer: Anode and cathode. A diode's two electrodes are the anode and cathode. Conventional current flows from anode to cathode when the diode is forward biased.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool, T6B09 ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    C. Anode and cathode
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Ham RadioWhat electronic component allows current to flow in only one direction?Ham RadioWhich is true about forward voltage drop in a diode?Ham RadioHow is the cathode lead of a diode often marked on the package?

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