What does a diode do?

What does a diode do?

• A. Amplifies voltage
• B. Snubs the drop of a relay
• C. Stores charge
• D. Filters high-frequency noise

Answer: (B)

A diode in this context is used to suppress the voltage spike from an inductive load like a relay. When the relay coil is energized, current builds up smoothly, but when you turn it off, the coil resists the sudden stop and tries to push current in the opposite direction, creating a potentially damaging high voltage. Placing a diode across the coil (reverse-biased during normal operation) gives the current a safe path to flow when the switch opens. The energy circulates through the coil and diode, clamping the spike and protecting nearby components. This is why this use of a diode is described as snubbing the spike. The other options describe different components or roles (amplification, energy storage, or filtering) that aren’t the primary purpose of this diode in a relay circuit.

A diode in this context is used to suppress the voltage spike from an inductive load like a relay. When the relay coil is energized, current builds up smoothly, but when you turn it off, the coil resists the sudden stop and tries to push current in the opposite direction, creating a potentially damaging high voltage. Placing a diode across the coil (reverse-biased during normal operation) gives the current a safe path to flow when the switch opens. The energy circulates through the coil and diode, clamping the spike and protecting nearby components. This is why this use of a diode is described as snubbing the spike. The other options describe different components or roles (amplification, energy storage, or filtering) that aren’t the primary purpose of this diode in a relay circuit.