Question

A $50Hz$ a.c. is rectified with a full-wave rectifier, what is the output frequency?

Answer 1

Step 1: Given Data

Frequency of the AC current $f=50Hz$

Step 2: Full-Wave Rectifier

1. Because of certain advantages regarding generation, transmission, and distribution electrical power is usually generated in the form of a.c.
2. In most cases, the domestic supply in India is$220V,50Hz$ a.c. supply.
3. But for many applications d.c. power is essential.
4. Almost all electronic equipment requires a d.c. source of power.
5. Thus the need arises of converting a.c. into d.c.
6. The device which converts a.c. power into d.c. power by virtue of a characteristic permitting the flow of current in one direction only is called a rectifier.
7. A smoother output waveform and greater efficiency of rectification can be obtained by a full-wave rectifier that uses two identical diodes as shown in the figure.
8. Input from a.c. mains is applied to the rectifier via a transformer $T$ with a center tap on the secondary so that the a.c. inputs to the two diodes are equal in magnitude but $180°$ out of phase.

Step 3: Calculate Output Frequency

From the graph, we can see that both the half cycles of an AC wave come as a double output on the same side.

Therefore, the output frequency $=50\times 2=100Hz$

Hence, the output frequency of the wave is $100Hz$.