Question

In a full-wave rectifier, the current in each of the diodes flows for:

• A. Complete cycle of the input signal
• B. Half cycle of the input signal
• C. Less than half cycle of the input signal
• D. Only for the positive half cycle of the input signal

Hint:

In a full-wave rectifier, two diodes conduct alternately. Each diode conducts during one half cycle of the AC input, ensuring that both halves of the signal are used for rectification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding a full-wave rectifier.
A full-wave rectifier converts both halves of an alternating current (AC) input signal into pulsating direct current (DC). It uses two diodes (in a center-tapped configuration) or four diodes (in a bridge configuration) to utilize both halves of the AC waveform.

Step 2: Operation of diodes during the AC cycle.
During the positive half cycle of the input signal, one diode becomes forward biased and conducts current while the other diode remains reverse biased. During the negative half cycle, the second diode becomes forward biased and conducts while the first diode becomes reverse biased.

Step 3: Current flow through each diode.
Since each diode conducts only during one half of the AC cycle and remains non-conducting during the other half cycle, the current through each diode flows for exactly half of the input cycle.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, in a full-wave rectifier, each diode conducts for half of the input signal cycle.
Final Answer: Half cycle of the input signal.