Question

The frequency of a given a.c. signal is 'N' Hz. When it is connected to a half wave rectifier, the number of output pulses given by the rectifier in 1 second is

• A. $\frac{N}{4}$
• B. $\frac{N}{2}$
• C. $N$
• D. $2N$

Hint:

Remember the rectifier frequency rules: * **Half-Wave Rectifier:** Output frequency = Input frequency ($f_{\text{out}} = f_{\text{in}}$) * **Full-Wave Rectifier:** Output frequency = $2 \times$ Input frequency ($f_{\text{out}} = 2f_{\text{in}}$) Since this is a half-wave setup, the count maps directly to $N$!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

An alternating current (A.C.) signal of frequency $N$ Hz completes exactly $N$ full cycles every second, where each individual cycle consists of one positive half-cycle and one negative half-cycle. A half-wave rectifier allows only one half-cycle (typically the positive one) to pass through while completely blocking the other. Therefore, for every single full input cycle, the rectifier outputs exactly one positive voltage pulse. Since there are $N$ input cycles per second, the rectifier produces exactly $N$ output pulses per second. Consequently, the output ripple frequency of a half-wave rectifier remains equal to the input supply frequency.
Final Answer:
The number of output pulses given by the rectifier in 1 second is $N$, which corresponds to option (C).