Question

A full wave rectifier circuit consists of two p-n junction diodes, a centre-tapped transformer, capacitor and a load resistance. Which of these components remove the ac ripple from the rectified output?

• A. Load resistance
• B. A centre-tapped tranformer
• C. p-n juntion diodes
• D. Capacitor

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In a full-wave rectifier circuit, the purpose is to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). A typical full-wave rectifier configuration consists of the following components:

• Centre-tapped Transformer: It splits the AC signal into two halves for rectification using two diodes.
• p-n Junction Diodes: These are used to rectify both halves of the AC waveform into DC.
• Load Resistance: It uses the rectified DC voltage to deliver power to the load.
• Capacitor: This component is crucial for smoothing the pulsating DC output of the rectifier by removing the AC ripples, providing a steady DC voltage.

Let's analyze each of the components in respect to the given question:

1. The centre-tapped transformer is responsible for providing two separate AC signals for the rectification process. It does not remove AC ripples.
2. The p-n junction diodes perform the rectification, converting AC to DC, but they do not filter out the ripples.
3. The load resistance serves the purpose of consuming the rectified DC power. It does not remove AC ripples.
4. The capacitor acts as a filter. It smooths out fluctuations in the rectified DC voltage, effectively removing the AC ripples from the output. This is achieved through its charging and discharging action, which maintains a more constant voltage across the load.

Thus, the capacitor is the component that removes the AC ripple from the rectified output.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Capacitor.