Understanding Diodes: The Electronic Switch

This tiny electronic component is a one-way gate for electricity, and it's in almost everything you own.

It all starts with silicon. Scientists "dope" it to create two flavors.

'N-type' silicon has a surplus of free-moving electrons. 'P-type' has 'holes,' which are basically

spots where electrons are missing. When you join these two types, you create a pn

junction. At their meeting point, a natural electric barrier forms,

stopping any flow. But here's the magic: apply a small voltage one way, and the barrier

shrinks, letting current flood through. It's ON! Reverse the voltage,

and the barrier grows, stopping the flow completely. It's OFF!