Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 341 of 494
A sinusoidal alternating voltage with an input frequency of \( 50\text{ Hz} \) is applied to a half-wave rectifier. What is the fundamental ripple frequency of the output pulsating \( \text{DC} \)?
A
\( 25\text{ Hz} \)
B
\( 100\text{ Hz} \)
C
\( 50\text{ Hz} \)
D
\( 200\text{ Hz} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( 50\text{ Hz} \)
Concept:

In a half-wave rectifier, one output pulse occurs for every full cycle of the input AC signal. Therefore, the output ripple frequency equals the input line frequency.

Formula:

$$f_{\text{out}} = f_{\text{in}}$$

Solution:

  • Given input frequency: \( f_{\text{in}} = 50\text{ Hz} \).


  • For a half-wave rectifier: \( f_{\text{out}} = f_{\text{in}} = 50\text{ Hz} \).


  • The load receives exactly one pulse per \( \frac{1}{50}\text{ s} \) cycle.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: \( 25\text{ Hz} \) is half the input frequency, which would imply frequency division.
  • Option B: \( 100\text{ Hz} \) (\( 2f_{\text{in}} \)) is the output ripple frequency for a full-wave rectifier.
  • Option D: \( 200\text{ Hz} \) corresponds to four times the line frequency, which does not match a single-phase rectifier.

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