CAIE A-Level Physics 21.2 Rectification and Smoothing

Practise explaining half-wave and bridge rectification, analysing capacitor smoothing and relating capacitance, load resistance and ripple.

Exam points

distinguish and explain half-wave and bridge full-wave rectification
analyse capacitor smoothing and the effects of capacitance, load resistance and ripple

Covered syllabus points

21.2.1—Distinguish graphically between half-wave and full-wave rectification 21.2.2—The use of a single diode for the half-wave rectification of an alternating 21.2.3—The use of four diodes (bridge rectifier) for the full-wave rectification of 21.2.4—The effect of a single capacitor in smoothing

[Maximum number: 5]

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

V=320 \sin (100 \pi t)

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

(a)

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

Fig. 10.1

[ 5 ]

(i)

State the name of the type of rectification produced by the diode in Fig. 10.1.

[ 1 ]

(ii)

On Fig. 10.2 sketch the variation with time t of the p.d. $V_{\mathrm{R}}$ across R from time t=0 to time $t=40 \mathrm{~ms}$ .

Fig. 10.2

[ 3 ]

(iii)

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

[ 1 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

A circuit contains a power supply that provides a sinusoidal alternating input voltage $V_{\text {IN }}$ . There is an output voltage $V_{\text {OUT }}$ across a load resistor R, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

Fig. 7.1

State the purpose of the circuit in Fig. 7.1.

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Covered syllabus points

21.2 Rectification and smoothing question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

Question (iii)

21.2 Rectification and smoothing question 2