Circuitmess Wacky Robot Resistron Instructions Manual page 12

White light LEDs steal the show
LEDs are semiconductor electronic components LEDs are semiconductor electronic components
that convert an electrical signal into light. that convert an electrical signal into light.
LEDs are polarized LEDs are polarized, so we must be cautious about how we
place them. Current flows in only one direction, so if you place place them. Current flows in only one direction, so if you place
them in the opposite direction, the diode won't function. them in the opposite direction, the diode won't function.
You can recognize the polarity by the shapes of the sides of the You can recognize the polarity by the shapes of the sides of the
diode. The positive side is rounded and called the diode. The positive side is rounded and called the anode
the negative side is flat and called the cathode
the negative side is flat and called the
always travels from the anode to the cathode, never vice versa. always travels from the anode to the cathode, never vice versa.
+
Rounded
part
For most people, the first association with LEDs For most people, the first association with LEDs
is is white LED light white LED light, but that's not natural light; it's
produced by combining multiple different LEDs. produced by combining multiple different LEDs.
, so we must be cautious about how we
-
Cut-off
Rounded
part
part
, but that's not natural light; it's
anode, while
cathode. Electrical energy
. Electrical energy
+
, while
-
Cut-off
part