Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Rectification and smoothing

Rectification and smoothing — practice question

Within a bridge rectifier circuit, four diodes are arranged so that a sinusoidal a.c. input voltage $V_{\text{IN}}$ is rectified. Fig. 7.1 shows only part of the circuit, with three diodes omitted. The p.d. across the load resistor $R$ is the output p.d. $V_{\text{OUT}}$ of the bridge rectifier.
(a(i))[1]

State the name of the type of rectification that a bridge rectifier produces.

(a(ii))[2]

Complete Fig. 7.1 by adding the three missing diodes and connecting them correctly.

(a(iii))[1]

On Fig. 7.1, draw an arrow to show the direction of the current in resistor $R$.

(b)

$V_{\text{IN}}$ has amplitude $V_0$ and period $T$. Fig. 7.2 shows how $V_{\text{IN}}$ varies with time $t$.

(b(i))[3]

On Fig. 7.3, sketch the variation of $V_{OUT}$ with $t$ between $t = 0$ and $t = 2.0T$.

(b(ii))[2]

The power dissipated in the resistor is $P$. On Fig. 7.4, sketch how $P$ varies with $t$ between $t = 0$ and $t = 2.0T$.

(b(iii))[1]

Suggest, with a reason, how the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value of $V_{OUT}$ is related to the r.m.s. value of $V_{IN}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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