In Electronics (Class 12 Physics), a Rectifier is a device made of P-N junction diodes that converts Alternating Current (AC) into Direct Current (DC). Let's understand its two main types.
Rectifier: Device that converts AC to DC.
Half Wave: Uses 1 diode, wastes half the cycle.
Full Wave: Uses 2 or 4 diodes, utilizes the full cycle.
Component: Made using semiconductor P-N junction diodes.
| Feature | Half Wave Rectifier | Full Wave Rectifier |
|---|---|---|
| Diodes | 1 Diode | 2 or 4 Diodes |
| Output | Pulsating, with gaps | Continuous pulsating |
| Efficiency | Low (40.6%) | High (81.2%) |
| Power Wastage | High | Low |
A rectifier is an electronic device that converts Alternating Current (AC), which reverses direction, into Direct Current (DC), which flows in only one direction.
A half-wave rectifier uses one diode and converts only half of the AC cycle to DC, wasting the other half. A full-wave rectifier uses multiple diodes to convert the entire AC cycle into DC, making it twice as efficient.
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