Identifying CE amplifier terminals: Assess the statement: “In a practical common-emitter (CE) amplifier stage, the input is applied to the base and the output is taken from the emitter terminal.”

Introduction / Context:
Amplifier naming conventions indicate which terminal is common to input and output. In a CE amplifier, understanding where signals are applied and taken is basic but essential for lab wiring, simulations, and exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard single-transistor CE stage with emitter at AC ground (via resistor and bypass capacitor) or near ground.
• Collector has a load resistor to the supply.

Concept / Approach:
In the CE topology, the emitter is the common terminal for input and output (often at AC ground). The signal input is applied between base and emitter; the signal output is taken between collector and emitter. Therefore, the output is taken at the collector node, not at the emitter. Taking the output from the emitter would make it an emitter-follower (common-collector) stage, which has unity-ish gain and different characteristics.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Small-signal hybrid-pi models for CE show collector voltage gain of approximately −gm * RC (phase inversion), which is measured at the collector with respect to the emitter reference.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Correct / frequency- or polarity-dependent variants: Topology, not device polarity or frequency, determines terminals.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing common-emitter with emitter-follower (common-collector), leading to swapped expectations of gain and output impedance.

Final Answer:
Incorrect