PN junctions and diodes

What does a bridge rectifier made of four diodes do?

  1. AConverts DC to AC
  2. BAmplifies a signal
  3. CFull-wave rectifies AC into a current flowing in one direction (pulsating DC)
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Answer: C. Full-wave rectifies AC into a current flowing in one direction (pulsating DC)

In a bridge rectifier, a different pair of diodes conducts during the positive and negative half-cycles of the AC, so current flows through the load in the same direction during both half-cycles (full-wave rectification). The output still pulsates, so it is smoothed with a capacitor for use as a DC supply.

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More PN junctions and diodes questions

  1. How is a photodiode generally used to detect light?
  2. How does an LED emit light?
  3. Which is a characteristic of a PIN diode, which has a lightly doped i-layer between the p and n layers?
  4. Which is a characteristic of an avalanche photodiode (APD)?
  5. In the diode equation I = Is {exp(qV / nkT) − 1}, what current flows when a large reverse voltage is applied (within the range where no breakdown occurs)?