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Diodes let electrons flow through them only in one direction. Diodes flow from cathode to anode. The cathode side of the diode is marked with a band around it.
There are basically three different types of diodes: Diodes, Zener Diodes, and Light Emitting Diodes.
Zener diodes have a set voltage rating. When a voltage exceeds the voltage rating going the opposite direction (from anode to cathode), the diode allows the electrons flow.
Light Emitting Diodes (LED for short) are just like the regular diodes except that it lights up when electrons are flowing through. Note: there aren't any bands to identify which pin is anode and which is cathode. However, one pin is longer then the other. The longer pin is the anode, the positive side.
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