Build the circuit shown using a red LED. The resistor R1 prevents an excessive current flowing through the LED.
Circuit LED. (Enlarge) |
Circuit diagram of a red LED with a current-limiting resistor. |
The LED is now connected in the forward direction and lights up.
|
In a next step turn the LED around. It is now in the reverse direction and does not light up... The LED shows the behavior of a normal diode. It only lets current pass in one direction. In the next experiment you examine the voltage required by the LED to light up... |
Circuit diagram of the LED in reverse direction. |
