Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 440 of 494
How does the output ripple frequency of a three-phase half-wave rectifier compare with that of a single-phase half-wave rectifier operating at line frequency \( f \)?
A
It is equal to \( f \)
B
It is equal to \( 3 f \)
C
It is equal to \( 6 f \)
D
It is equal to \( 2 f \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: It is equal to \( 3 f \)
Concept:

In a multi-phase rectifier, the output ripple frequency equals the number of conduction pulses per AC line period (\( p \times f \)).

Formula:

$$f_{\text{ripple}} = p \times f \quad (p = \text{number of phases for half-wave})$$

Solution:

  • In a single-phase half-wave rectifier (\( p = 1 \)), the output ripple frequency is \( f \).


  • A three-phase half-wave rectifier uses three diodes that conduct sequentially across \( 120^\circ \) intervals.


  • This produces three output pulses per line cycle, resulting in an output ripple frequency of \( 3f \).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: \( f \) is the ripple frequency of a single-phase half-wave rectifier.
  • Option C: \( 6f \) is the ripple frequency of a three-phase full-wave bridge rectifier.
  • Option D: \( 2f \) is the ripple frequency of a single-phase full-wave rectifier.

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