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CAIE A-Level Physics 21.2.4 Capacitor Smoothing

Practise explaining how a capacitor smooths a rectified output, analysing how capacitance and load resistance affect ripple, and interpreting charge, discharge and recharge graphs.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • explain how a capacitor smooths a rectified output
  • analyse how capacitance and load resistance affect ripple and smoothing
  • interpret smoothed-output graphs and compare discharge and recharge behaviour

21.2.4—The effect of a single capacitor in smoothing question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The output potential difference (p.d.) of an alternating power supply is represented by

V=320sin⁡(100πt)V=320 \sin (100 \pi t)

where V is the p.d. in volts and t is the time in seconds.

The power supply is connected to resistor R and a diode in the circuit shown in Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1

Fig. 10.1

On Fig. 10.1, draw the symbol for a component that may be connected to produce smoothing of VRV_{R}.

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