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A 5mm yellow LED is a commonly used Light Emitting Diode (LED) that emits yellow light when an electrical current passes through it. The 5mm indicates the diameter of the LED's casing, which is a standard size often used in both hobby and commercial electronics.

Key Features of a 5mm Yellow LED:

1. Size:

   • The 5mm refers to the diameter of the LED casing, which is a widely used standard size in electronics. This size is small enough to fit into most projects but still offers a bright and visible output.

2. Color:

   • A yellow LED emits light in the yellow region of the visible spectrum, usually between 570 and 590 nanometers (nm). Yellow is a common color for indicating status in circuits, such as a warning light or to show intermediate conditions.

3. Voltage and Current:

   • Forward voltage: Typically, a yellow LED has a forward voltage of 1.8V to 2.2V, which is lower than that of red or green LEDs.
   • Current: The typical operating current is around 20mA (milliamps). Exceeding this current can cause the LED to burn out.

4. Power Consumption:

   • Like most LEDs, the 5mm yellow LED is power-efficient and consumes very little energy, often only a few milliwatts, making it an ideal choice for battery-powered or energy-conscious projects.

5. Lifespan:

   • LEDs, including yellow ones, have a long lifespan, typically ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 hours, far longer than incandescent bulbs or other traditional light sources.

6. Viewing Angle:

   • The typical viewing angle for a 5mm LED is usually between 20° to 60°, depending on whether it is a standard or diffused LED. A diffused LED has a wider angle, while a clear or transparent LED will have a more focused beam.

7. Housing:

   • The 5mm yellow LED is typically housed in a transparent or diffused plastic casing, which helps to direct and distribute the emitted light. The transparent LED gives a sharp, focused light, while a diffused LED produces a more even and softer glow.

Typical Applications of 5mm Yellow LEDs:

1. Indicator Lights:

   • Yellow LEDs are commonly used as warning indicators, showing intermediate states like "caution," "standby," or "processing." For example, they may indicate charging status or warning lights in electronic devices, machinery, or vehicles.

2. Status Indicators:

   • They are often used in status indicators for devices, showing that a device is operational, being programmed, or undergoing some activity. It’s a way to signal intermediate or cautionary status.

3. Traffic and Control Signals:

   • Yellow LEDs are used in traffic light systems or traffic signals, where yellow often means "prepare to stop" or "caution." This is common in both actual traffic lights and model or simulation traffic lights in projects.

4. Consumer Electronics:

   • 5mm yellow LEDs can be used in various consumer electronics, such as standby indicators for TVs, charging status for mobile devices, and battery indicators for devices like wireless speakers, laptops, or power banks.

5. Toys and Gadgets:

   • Many toys or gadgets use yellow LEDs for aesthetic lighting effects or to show a part of the device is functioning, often used in novelty lighting, remote control feedback, or status feedback in toys.

6. Lighting Effects and Decorations:

   • In decorative lighting or novelty products, yellow LEDs are commonly used in displays, light-up toys, or even holiday decorations due to their bright and attractive color.

7. Warning Lights in Circuits:

   • A 5mm yellow LED is also often found as part of warning light systems or as cautionary lights in embedded systems or alarm circuits in DIY electronics.

How to Use a 5mm Yellow LED in a Circuit:

Basic LED Circuit:

To use the 5mm yellow LED in a simple circuit, you typically need a resistor to limit the current passing through the LED, preventing it from burning out. Here’s how to connect it:

1. Choose the appropriate resistor: If you're using a 5V power supply and the forward voltage of the yellow LED is about 2.0V, you can calculate the appropriate current-limiting resistor using Ohm's Law:

   R=Vsupply−VforwardIR = rac{V_{supply} - V_{forward}}{I}

   Where:

   • VsupplyV_{supply} is the voltage of the power supply (e.g., 5V),
   • VforwardV_{forward} is the forward voltage of the LED (e.g., 2.0V for yellow),
   • II is the current (typically 20mA or 0.02A).

   For a 5V supply, the calculation would be:

   R=5V−2.0V0.02A=3V0.02A=150 ΩR = rac{5V - 2.0V}{0.02A} = rac{3V}{0.02A} = 150 Omega

   So, you need a 150-ohm resistor.

2. Connect the LED:

   • Anode (longer lead) connects to the positive voltage supply.
   • Cathode (shorter lead) connects to the ground (through the current-limiting resistor).

Example Circuit with Arduino:

Here’s an example of how to use a 5mm yellow LED with an Arduino to blink it on and off:

int ledPin = 13; // Pin where the LED is connected

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set the LED pin as output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW); // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

In this example, the yellow LED is connected to pin 13 on the Arduino board. It will blink on and off every second.

Conclusion:

The 5mm yellow LED is a versatile and efficient component used in a variety of electronics projects. Whether you are building indicator lights, warning signals, or simply incorporating it into a decorative project, the yellow LED offers low power consumption, long lifespan, and clear visual output. It is ideal for use in status indicators, traffic simulations, and many other applications requiring bright, visible, and energy-efficient lighting.