Physics Electronics MDCAT 2000
PMDC Verified Question 491 of 494
A full-wave bridge rectifier operating from a \( 50\text{ Hz} \) line delivers a DC current of \( I_{\text{dc}} = 100\text{ mA} \) to a load. What filter capacitance \( C \) is required to maintain the peak-to-peak ripple voltage below \( 2.0\text{ V} \)?
A
1000 µF
B
500 µF
C
250 µF
D
2000 µF
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: 500 µF
Concept:

In a full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is doubled (\( 2f = 100\text{ Hz} \)), so the peak-to-peak ripple voltage is given by \( V_r = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}}{2 f C} \).

Formula:

$$V_r = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}}{2 f C} \implies C = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}}{2 f \cdot V_r}$$

Solution:

  • Given: \( I_{\text{dc}} = 100\text{ mA} = 0.10\text{ A} \), \( f = 50\text{ Hz} \) (so \( 2f = 100\text{ Hz} \)), and \( V_r = 2.0\text{ V} \).


  • Required capacitance: \( C = \frac{0.10\text{ A}}{2 \times 50 \times 2.0\text{ V}} = \frac{0.10}{200} = 0.00050\text{ F} = 500\ \mu\text{F} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: 1000 µF is the capacitance required for a half-wave rectifier.
  • Option C: 250 µF would allow a larger ripple voltage of 4 V.
  • Option D: 2000 µF would reduce ripple to 0.5 V, exceeding the required 2.0 V specification.

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