FCC Exam Question: 3-23C5

What are the three terminals of a TRIAC?

A. Emitter, base 1, and base 2.
B. Base, emitter, and collector.
C. Gate, source, and sink.
D. Gate, anode 1, and anode 2.
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A TRIAC is a three-terminal semiconductor device that functions as a bidirectional AC switch. Its three terminals are the Gate, Anode 1 (A1 or Main Terminal 1, MT1), and Anode 2 (A2 or Main Terminal 2, MT2). The Gate terminal controls when the TRIAC turns on, typically by applying a small current pulse. Once triggered, current can flow in either direction between Anode 1 and Anode 2, allowing the TRIAC to switch AC power. Options A (Emitter, base 1, and base 2) describes a Unijunction Transistor (UJT). Option B (Base, emitter, and collector) describes a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT). Option C (Gate, source, and sink) is incorrect; while "gate" and "source" are FET terminals, "sink" is not a standard terminal name (it should be "drain").

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.