Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 236 of 494
What is the general formula for the conversion efficiency \( \eta \) of a rectifier circuit with diode forward resistance \( r_f \) and load resistance \( R_L \)?
A
η = (Pdc / Pac) = (Idc^2 × RL) / [Irms^2 × (rf + RL)]
B
η = (Pac / Pdc) = (Irms × rf) / (Idc × RL)
C
η = (rf / RL) × 100%
D
η = (Idc / Irms) × 100%
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: η = (Pdc / Pac) = (Idc^2 × RL) / [Irms^2 × (rf + RL)]
Concept:

Rectification efficiency \( \eta \) is the ratio of useful DC output power delivered to the load resistor \( R_L \) to the total AC input power consumed by the circuit (diode resistance \( r_f \) plus \( R_L \)).

Formula:

$$\eta = \frac{P_{\text{dc}}}{P_{\text{ac}}} = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}^2 R_L}{I_{\text{rms}}^2 (r_f + R_L)}$$

Solution:

  • DC power delivered to the load: \( P_{\text{dc}} = I_{\text{dc}}^2 R_L \).


  • Total AC power supplied to the circuit: \( P_{\text{ac}} = I_{\text{rms}}^2 (r_f + R_L) \).


  • Dividing \( P_{\text{dc}} \) by \( P_{\text{ac}} \) gives the conversion efficiency \( \eta \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: This inverts the ratio of AC power to DC power.
  • Option C: \( r_f / R_L \) is the resistance ratio, which relates to circuit losses rather than total efficiency.
  • Option D: \( I_{\text{dc}} / I_{\text{rms}} \) is the reciprocal of the Form Factor, not the power efficiency.

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