Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 69 of 494
An alternating sinusoidal voltage with a mains frequency of \( 50\text{ Hz} \) is fed into a half-wave rectifier. The fundamental ripple frequency of the pulsating output DC voltage is:
A
\( 50\text{ Hz} \)
B
\( 100\text{ Hz} \)
C
\( 25\text{ Hz} \)
D
\( 0\text{ Hz} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \( 50\text{ Hz} \)
Concept:

In a half-wave rectifier, one output pulse is produced for every full cycle of the AC input waveform.

Formula:

$$f_{\text{ripple, half-wave}} = f_{\text{in}}$$

Solution:

  • Because the diode conducts once per full cycle of the input, the period of the output waveform matches the period of the input (\( T_{\text{out}} = T_{\text{in}} \)).


  • Therefore, the output ripple frequency is \( f_{\text{out}} = f_{\text{in}} = 50\text{ Hz} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: \( 100\text{ Hz} \) (\( 2f_{\text{in}} \)) is the ripple frequency for a full-wave rectifier.


  • Option C: Frequency is not halved in half-wave rectification.


  • Option D: Zero ripple frequency corresponds only to pure, battery-grade DC.

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