Transistor terminal

Transistors are manufactured in different shapes but they have three leads (legs). The BASE - which is the lead responsible for activating the transistor. The COLLECTOR - which is the positive lead. The EMITTER - which is the negative lead. The diagram below shows the symbol of an NPN transistor. They are not always set out as shown in the diagrams to the left and right, although the ‘tab’ on the type shown to the left is usually next to the ‘emitter’.
The leads on a transistor may not always be in this arrangement. When buying a transistor, directions will normally state clearly which lead is the BASE, EMITTER or COLLECTOR.