Physics Electronics ETEA 2022
PMDC Verified Question 463 of 494
Output current of a half wave rectifier is:
A
AC current
B
Unidirectional current
C
Zero always
D
Straight line parallel to vertical axis
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: Unidirectional current
Concept:

The defining function of any rectifier is to transform bidirectional current into current that flows in only one direction.

Solution:

  • A half-wave rectifier uses a diode to block the negative half of the AC cycle.


  • The resulting output consists of pulses of positive current separated by gaps of zero current.


  • Even though the magnitude of the current fluctuates (pulsates), it never drops below zero to flow backward. Thus, it is purely a unidirectional current.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • AC current: AC flows in both directions; the rectifier has eliminated this.


  • Straight line parallel to vertical axis: This describes an infinite slope, which represents zero physical reality in this context (an ideal steady DC would be parallel to the horizontal axis).


  • Zero always: Incorrect, as it conducts during the positive half-cycle.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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