Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 51 of 494
A sinusoidal alternating voltage \(v_{\text{in}}(t) = 12\sin(120\pi t)\text{ V}\) is supplied to a full-wave center-tapped rectifier circuit. What is the fundamental frequency of the output ripple waveform?
A
\(60\text{ Hz}\)
B
\(120\text{ Hz}\)
C
\(240\text{ Hz}\)
D
\(30\text{ Hz}\)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: \(120\text{ Hz}\)
Concept:

In any full-wave rectifier circuit (center-tapped or bridge), two output pulses are generated for every single cycle of the input AC supply. Therefore, the output ripple frequency is exactly twice the input AC line frequency.

Formula:

$$v(t) = V_m \sin(2\pi f_{\text{in}} t) \implies 2\pi f_{\text{in}} = 120\pi \implies f_{\text{in}} = 60\text{ Hz}$$

$$f_{\text{ripple}} = 2 \times f_{\text{in}}$$

Solution:

  • Calculate input frequency:


  • $$f_{\text{in}} = \frac{120\pi}{2\pi} = 60\text{ Hz}$$


  • Calculate output ripple frequency for full-wave rectification:


  • $$f_{\text{ripple}} = 2 \times 60\text{ Hz} = 120\text{ Hz}$$


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: \(60\text{ Hz}\) is the input supply frequency, which would be the output ripple frequency only for a half-wave rectifier.
  • Option C: \(240\text{ Hz}\) represents four times the input frequency.
  • Option D: \(30\text{ Hz}\) is half the input frequency.

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