Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 387 of 494
For a full-wave rectifier with a capacitor filter (\( C \)) and load resistance (\( R_L \)), the output ripple factor (\( \gamma \)) is given by which relationship?
A
\( \gamma = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3} f C R_L} \)
B
\( \gamma = 4\sqrt{3} f C R_L \)
C
\( \gamma = \frac{2 f C}{R_L} \)
D
\( \gamma = \frac{R_L}{4 f C} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \( \gamma = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3} f C R_L} \)
Concept:

Adding a shunt capacitor filter smooths the output voltage, making the ripple factor inversely proportional to ripple frequency, capacitance, and load resistance.

Formula:

$$\gamma = \frac{V_{\text{rms, ripple}}}{V_{\text{dc}}} = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3} f C R_L} \quad (\text{Full-wave rectifier with capacitor filter})$$

Solution:

  • For a full-wave rectifier with a capacitor filter, the peak-to-peak ripple voltage is \( V_r = \frac{I_{\text{dc}}}{2 f C} = \frac{V_{\text{dc}}}{2 f C R_L} \).


  • Assuming a triangular ripple waveform, the RMS ripple voltage is \( V_{\text{rms, ripple}} = \frac{V_r}{2\sqrt{3}} \).


  • Substituting \( V_r \) yields the ripple factor:


  • $$\gamma = \frac{V_{\text{rms, ripple}}}{V_{\text{dc}}} = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3} f C R_L}$$


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: Ripple factor is inversely proportional to filter capacitance; larger capacitance reduces ripple rather than increasing it.
  • Options C & D: These expressions are dimensionally incorrect for the dimensionless ripple factor.

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