What is the function of the collector in a transistor?

The collector in a transistor plays a crucial role in the functioning of the device as it is the terminal where the output current is collected. In a typical bipolar junction transistor (BJT), the collector receives current from the emitter and then delivers it, controlled by the input current at the base terminal.

Essentially, the collector is designed to handle the flow of current that results from the transistor's operation, allowing it to act as a switch or an amplifier in electronic circuits. This current collection mechanism is fundamental to the transistor's ability to amplify electrical signals or switch them on and off in various applications.