1. The transistor was invented in 1947 at Bell Labs by Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley. It uses semiconductors that can switch between conducting and insulating states to amplify signals.
2. There are two types of transistors - NPN and PNP, defined by the doping of the semiconductor material. Transistors can be configured in common base, common emitter, or common collector modes.
3. A power amplifier amplifies low-power audio signals from devices like radios or guitars to levels that can drive speakers or headphones. It uses transistors configured to handle higher currents than a typical voltage amplifier.