Question #a1b8f

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Thomas S.
Jan 5, 2016

An electronic component that emits light when current passes through it in the correct direction.

Explanation:

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a special electronic component. Let's find out what it is by breaking down the name.

'Light-emitting' means the component gives off light. There are different types of LEDS that can be made, which emit different colours (frequencies) of light. The frequency of light depends on the voltage across the LED.

A diode is a type of resistive component that only allows current to flow through it in one direction. Therefore an LED will only light up if current passes through it the correct way. If it is inserted into a circuit backward, it won't emit light.

Here is the circuit symbol for an LED:

Thomas Stevenson

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