Diodes - GCSE Physics

This video introduces diodes. These small components work like a one way valve, so the current only flows one way. If the potential difference is too great and the diode is connected the wrong way round, then the diode will break. Connected the right way round, a diode has a very small resistance for large values of potential difference.

The most common diode is the light emitting diode, an LED. An LED only emits light if it is connected to a circuit in the direction.

A diode is represented by a triangle connected to a line within a circle. The I-V graph of a diode is very distinctive because it only allows current to flow through one way.

Thanks for watching,

Lewis

Relevant for GCSE Physics 9-1 in the following exam boards:
AQA (including Trilogy)
Edexcel
OCR A
OCR B
WJEC
CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) IGCSE (Physics Higher only)
Edexcel International IGCSE

_____________________________________

MY PHYSICS WEBSITES
Find even more videos organised by exam board and topic at:

GCSE Physics Online
► https://www.gcsephysicsonline.com
A Level Physics Online
► https://www.alevelphysicsonline.com

MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Your support in watching this video has been invaluable! To contribute towards the free videos on YouTube, make a small donation at:
► https://www.paypal.me/physicsonline

FOLLOW ME
► https://www.youtube.com/physicsonline...
►   / physicsonline  
►   / gcseandalevelphysicsonline  

#diodes #gcsephysics #physicsonline