Help needed to understand voltage multiplier circuit

[Nora]

Hello-
I am looking at a voltage multiplier circuit here:
https://www.tpub.com/neets/book7/27m.htm

In the first figure, 4-45A, the explanation states that the CR1 diode is forward biased (cathode neg, anode pos) and that this results in a closed switch function.

I'm missing a basic concept here as I thought that current cannot flow through a diode in this direction and therefore, the diode would act as an open switch.

Thanks in advance!
Nora

 

[eXnol]

What they have gotten wrong is, they have shown the arrow. when the upper side is -ve and lower side +ve, the diode CR1 is forward biased. The arrow actually shows the direction of electron flow. They have wrongly stated it as current flow. Hope this helps..

 

[Nora]

Thanks-
So the current is flowing through the diode then, from cathode to anode, and therefore the diode functions as a closed switch?
Nora

 

[eXnol]

Yes. Actually, inorder for a diode to allow current flow and act as closer switch, it have to be forward biased (you know thins I know ) ie +ve at Anode and -ve at cathode.

Positive comes before Negative and A(node) comes above (before) C(athode)

 

[Nora]

oh I have it backwards doh!