What are the three leads on a transistor?

Transistors, which are fundamental components in electronic circuits, have three distinct leads that serve specific purposes in their operation. The three leads are the emitter, base, and collector.

The emitter is the terminal that emits charge carriers into the base region. The base is the control terminal that modulates the flow of charge carriers between the emitter and the collector. Finally, the collector is the terminal that collects the charge carriers from the base, allowing them to flow out of the transistor. This configuration allows the transistor to act as a switch or amplifier depending on the input received at the base.

Understanding the functions of these leads is crucial for comprehending how transistors amplify signals or switch electronic states within a circuit, making them vital components in everything from simple devices to complex systems.