Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 83 of 494
If the diode in a single-diode half-wave rectifier is reversed in orientation (cathode connected toward AC source, anode toward load), the circuit will conduct:
A
Only during the negative half-cycles of the AC input
B
Only during the positive half-cycles of the AC input
C
Continuously during both half-cycles with zero ripple
D
Zero current throughout the entire operating cycle
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: Only during the negative half-cycles of the AC input
Concept:

Reversing the physical orientation of a diode inverts the conduction polarity, making it forward biased during the negative half-cycle of the AC supply.

Formula:

Qualitative concept / No formula required.

Solution:

  • When the AC input goes negative, the AC terminal becomes negative relative to ground.


  • Because the cathode is connected to this negative terminal, the diode becomes forward biased and conducts.


  • During positive half-cycles, the cathode is at a positive potential, reverse biasing the diode and blocking current.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: This corresponds to standard forward diode orientation.


  • Option C: A single diode cannot conduct across both half-cycles.


  • Option D: The diode conducts during the alternate 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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