Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 314 of 494
A full-wave bridge rectifier operating from a \( 50\text{ Hz} \) AC line supplies a \( 12.0\text{ V} \) DC load at a current of \( I_{\text{dc}} = 1.0\text{ A} \). What filter capacitance \( C \) is required to limit the peak-to-peak ripple voltage to \( 1.0\% \) of the DC output voltage (\( V_r = 0.12\text{ V} \))?
A
1000 µF
B
41667 µF (≈ 42,000 µF)
C
83333 µF (≈ 83,333 µF)
D
500 µF
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: 83333 µF (≈ 83,333 µF)
Concept:

In a full-wave rectifier, the ripple frequency is \( 2f = 100\text{ Hz} \). The required filter capacitance is calculated from \( C = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}}{2 f V_r} \).

Formula:

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

Solution:

  • Given: \( I_{\text{dc}} = 1.0\text{ A} \), \( f = 50\text{ Hz} \) (so \( 2f = 100\text{ Hz} \)), and \( V_r = 1.0\% \times 12.0\text{ V} = 0.12\text{ V} \).


  • Required capacitance: \( C = \frac{1.0\text{ A}}{100\text{ Hz} \times 0.12\text{ V}} = \frac{1.0}{12} = 0.08333\text{ F} = 83,333\ \mu\text{F} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: 1000 µF would allow a large ripple voltage of 10 V.
  • Option B: 41,667 µF would be used if the ripple frequency were 200 Hz.
  • Option D: 500 µF is too small and would cause massive voltage droop.

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