Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 197 of 494
The ripple factor (\( r \)) of a rectifier circuit is mathematically defined as the ratio of:
A
Peak output voltage to the average DC output voltage
B
RMS value of the AC ripple component to the average DC output value
C
Total AC power input to the DC power delivered to the load
D
Forward diode resistance to the load resistance
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: RMS value of the AC ripple component to the average DC output value
Concept:

The ripple factor (\( r \)) quantifies the effectiveness of a rectifier by measuring the unwanted AC ripple voltage relative to the desired DC output voltage.

Formula:

$$r = \frac{V_{\text{ac,rms}}}{V_{\text{dc}}} = \frac{\sqrt{V_{\text{rms}}^2 - V_{\text{dc}}^2}}{V_{\text{dc}}} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{V_{\text{rms}}}{V_{\text{dc}}}\right)^2 - 1} = \sqrt{\text{FF}^2 - 1}$$

Solution:

  • \( V_{\text{ac,rms}} \) is the RMS value of the AC ripple remaining in the output.


  • \( V_{\text{dc}} \) is the average DC output voltage.


  • The ratio \( V_{\text{ac,rms}} / V_{\text{dc}} \) gives the ripple factor \( r \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: Peak-to-average ratio defines the crest factor, not the ripple factor.
  • Option C: The ratio of DC power to AC power defines the rectification efficiency \( \eta \).
  • Option D: Resistance ratio relates to circuit losses, not waveform ripple content.

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