An LED or light emitting diode emits light when a voltage is applied, allowing current to flow across its PN junction. When electrons recombine with positive charges in the P region, electric potential energy is converted to electromagnetic energy in the form of photons. LEDs must have a resistor in series to limit the current. Common applications of LEDs include sensors, mobile devices, signs, automotive uses, signals, and indicators. A 7-segment display uses 8 LEDs (7 for digits and 1 for decimal point) to display numbers; it is interfaced with a microcontroller for applications like clocks and meters.