What is the N-type material in a diode commonly known as?

The N-type material in a diode is commonly known as the cathode because it is the terminal where electrons are emitted and flow out of the diode when it is forward-biased. In a diode, the N-type material has an abundance of electrons, which are negatively charged carriers. When the diode is conducting, these electrons move toward the P-type material, where there is a deficiency of electrons or "holes."

In this context, the type of material in the diode plays a significant role in determining the function of each terminal. The cathode (N-type) acts as the negative side of the diode, contrasting with the anode, which is made from P-type material and has a higher concentration of holes. Understanding these fundamentals is imperative for grasping how diodes operate in electrical circuits.