Question

A full wave rectifier is operating at \(50 \mathrm{~Hz}, 220 \mathrm{~V}\) the fundamental frequency of ripple will be (A) \(50 \mathrm{~Hz}\) (B) \(75 \mathrm{~Hz}\) (C) \(110 \mathrm{~Hz}\) (D) \(100 \mathrm{~Hz}\)

Short answer

The frequency of the ripple produced by a full-wave rectifier is found using the formula Ripple frequency = 2 * Input signal frequency. In this case, the input signal frequency is 50 Hz, so the ripple frequency is 2 * 50 Hz = 100 Hz. Therefore, the correct option is (D) \(100 \mathrm{~Hz}\).

Step-by-step solution

Full-wave rectifier ripple frequency formula

To find the ripple frequency of a full-wave rectifier, we use the following formula: Ripple frequency = 2 * Input signal frequency

Input signal frequency

In this problem, the input signal frequency is given as 50 Hz.

Calculate the ripple frequency

Now, we can apply the formula to calculate the ripple frequency: Ripple frequency = 2 * 50 Hz = 100 Hz

Choose the correct option

Based on our calculation, the ripple frequency of a full-wave rectifier operating at 50 Hz is 100 Hz. Hence, the correct option is: (D) \(100 \mathrm{~Hz}\)

Key concepts

Rectifier Ripple Frequency

The ripple frequency in a rectified output is a key concept in understanding how full wave rectifiers function. Ripple frequency refers to the frequency of the residual AC voltage within the DC output of a rectifier.
This frequency is an important factor because it affects the smoothness of the rectified signal, and by extension, the efficiency of the rectification process.

• For full wave rectifiers, the ripple frequency is twice the frequency of the input AC signal.
• This increase is due to the fact that full wave rectifiers convert both halves of the AC signal (positive and negative cycles) into a unidirectional current.

The formula to calculate this is simple and straightforward:\[ \text{Ripple frequency} = 2 \times \text{Input signal frequency} \]It's crucial to understand this relationship to correctly design rectifier circuits with minimal ripple, leading to more stable DC outputs.

Input Signal Frequency

Input signal frequency is the frequency of the AC signal that goes into the rectifier. It is a fundamental parameter when dealing with rectifiers, as it governs the behavior of the rectification process.
Consider the fact that the input frequency is consistently provided by an AC source, and in practical terms, this is often the electrical mains supply frequency, such as 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

• For instance, if a rectifier is used in a region with a standard frequency of 50 Hz, this will directly influence the resultant ripple frequency.
• The value is directly incorporated into the ripple frequency formula to determine the behavior of the rectified output.

Understanding the input signal frequency is essential for both designing and analyzing rectifier circuits.

Full Wave Rectifier Calculation

The calculation for the ripple frequency of a full wave rectifier exemplifies how these devices function in practice. By understanding the input parameters and the formula used, one can predict the output characteristics.
As shown in the given exercise:

• The input signal frequency for our full wave rectifier is 50 Hz.
• Using the formula \( \text{Ripple frequency} = 2 \times 50 \text{ Hz} \), we find the ripple frequency is \( 100 \text{ Hz} \).

This calculation illustrates that the rectifier flips both half-cycles of the AC input, doubling the frequency of the resulting ripple compared to a single cycle's frequency. Understanding these steps helps bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, thereby highlighting the utility of full wave rectifiers in creating more efficient electrical systems.