Diodes Classifications and Principles Quiz

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What is the function of a signal diode?

Control voltage

Allow flow of current in one direction

Used in signal circuits (correct)

Convert AC to DC

What is the standard symbol for a semiconductor diode showing the direction of whole current?

Bar without an arrow

Arrow without a bar

Arrow and bar (correct)

Dot or band

What does the positive mark at the cathode side of a diode indicate?

This is the terminal for positive in the direction of conventional current flow (correct)

This is the terminal for negative in the direction of conventional current flow

This indicates that current cannot flow in this direction

This is the anode of the diode

What is the process of converting alternating current into direct current called?

Rectification Signup and view all the answers

In which direction is the conduction assumed to be, for those accustomed to electron flow?

Against the arrow Signup and view all the answers

What are small silicon diodes commonly used as?

Low-current rectifiers Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most common uses for semiconductor diodes?

Rectifiers in power supplies Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most important characteristics of a Zener diode?

Temperature coefficient Signup and view all the answers

Why is silicon used in almost all solid-state devices compared to germanium?

Can operate at higher temperature Signup and view all the answers

What type of diode is used as a voltage regulator?

Zener diode Signup and view all the answers

Why is a heat sink used with diodes?

To reduce the rise in junction temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common use of a regulator circuit?

Minimize output variations Signup and view all the answers

What is used to check a solid-state diode?

Ohmmeter test leads Signup and view all the answers

What is the forward resistance reading of a good diode?

Low but not zero Signup and view all the answers

What type of diode has a much higher current rating when equipped with heat?

Rectifier diode Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do large silicon diodes have compared to selenium diodes?

Higher forward-to-reverse resistance ratio and much smaller size for the same voltage and current characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Why does a transistor amplify current?

Because the collector current is approximately equal to the emitter current Signup and view all the answers

What type of signal is converted to an electrical signal for amplification?

An audio signal Signup and view all the answers

What type of waveform is monitored in an electronic test instrument like an oscilloscope?

Sine wave Signup and view all the answers

In what state is a transistor alternately operated when used as an electronic switch?

Cut-off and saturation state Signup and view all the answers

What does a very low reading with both polarities indicate when testing the PN and NP junctions of a transistor?

A shorted junction Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of large silicon diodes distinguishes them from selenium diodes?

Higher current rating when equipped with heat Signup and view all the answers

What are the two principal semiconductor materials used in transistors?

Silicon and germanium Signup and view all the answers

What does NPN stand for in the context of transistors?

Negative, positive, negative Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the base in a transistor?

Controls the flow of electrons Signup and view all the answers

Why is silicon generally used for NPN bipolar junction transistors?

Lower internal voltage drop Signup and view all the answers

What does an NPN transistor simply consist of in terms of semiconductor materials?

"N-type" impurities between two layers of germanium with "P-type" semiconductor materials Signup and view all the answers

In medium power-type transistors, how is the collector connected internally?

To the mounting tab Signup and view all the answers