A diode conducts electricity in one direction, from its positive terminal (anode) to its negative terminal (cathode). A diode will not fully conduct electricity until the voltage across it reaches a specific value called its “forward voltage.” For most small signal silicon diodes this value is approximately 0.7 volts. A voltage applied across a diode will be reduced by an amount equal to the forward voltage. This is called the “forward voltage drop.” Forward voltage drops of connected diodes are added together. For example, the voltage drop across two diodes connected in series is equal to the sum of their forward voltages — approximately 1.4 volts for silicon diodes. Writer Bio
