General purpose diodes are two-terminal electronic components

That allow current to flow in only one direction, from an anode (+) to a cathode. These simple semiconductors are PN junctions with a positive or P-region with positive ions and a negative or N-region with negative electrons. Applying a forward voltage to the PN junction causes current to flow in only one direction as electrons from the N-region fill “holes” in the P-region. The diodes reverse voltage is the potential barrier that prevents current to flow in the opposite direction, analogous to a pressure rating on a check valve.1N4007 is a rectifier diode, designed specifically for circuits that need to convert alternating current to direct current. It can pass currents of up to 1 A, and have peak inverse voltage (PIV) rating of 1000 V.