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

How is the cathode lead of a diode often marked on the package?

With a stripe on the cathode end.

  1. With the word cathode
  2. With a stripe ✔
  3. With the letter C

Why: Most diodes have a painted band or stripe at one end. That end is the cathode, where conventional current flows out.

Huh, didn't know that: In the diode schematic symbol, the bar at the tip of the arrow marks the cathode.

The dad joke
Why did the diode wear a stripe? It wanted everyone to know which end was cool.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 release) https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf

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That's stuff everyone should know.