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Rectifying Diodes
19 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt
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Question 19 of 19
Find one or two real diodes and bring them with you to class for discussion. Identify as much information as you can about your diodes prior to discussion:
- Polarity (which terminal is cathode and which is anode)
- Forward voltage drop
- Continuous current rating
- Surge current rating
- Continuous power rating
Reveal answerIf possible, find a manufacturer’s datasheet for your components (or at least a datasheet for a similar component) to discuss with your classmates.
Be prepared to prove the forward voltage drop of your diodes in class, by using a multimeter!
Notes:The purpose of this question is to get students to kinesthetically interact with the subject matter. It may seem silly to have students engage in a “show and tell” exercise, but I have found that activities such as this greatly help some students. For those learners who are kinesthetic in nature, it is a great help to actually touch real components while they’re learning about their function. Of course, this question also provides an excellent opportunity for them to practice interpreting component markings, use a multimeter, access datasheets, etc.
