What are the names for the electrodes of a diode?

The correct terminology for the electrodes of a diode are referred to as the anode and cathode. In a diode, the anode is the electrode through which conventional current enters, while the cathode is where the current exits. This naming convention is rooted in the physics of semiconductor devices, where the direction of current flow is essential for the operation of the diode. When forward-biased, the diode allows current to flow from the anode to the cathode, enabling it to conduct electricity.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not correctly describe the electrodes of a diode. "Plus and minus" is a general way to refer to polarities but does not specify the function of the electrodes in a diode. "Source and drain" pertain to the terminals of a field-effect transistor rather than a diode. "Gate and base" refer to a transistor's control and input terminals, respectively, but again, they do not apply to diodes. Understanding these terminologies is crucial for identifying device operations within electronics.