In a full-wave bridge rectifier, what component is used to reduce AC ripple?

In a full-wave bridge rectifier, what component is used to reduce AC ripple?

• A. Inductors
• B. Capacitors
• C. Transformers
• D. Diodes

Answer: (B)

The smoothing capacitor across the output is what reduces the AC ripple in a full-wave bridge rectifier. After rectification, the voltage is pulsating, rising to the peak of each half-cycle and then dropping between peaks. A capacitor charges up to the peak and then releases stored charge when the voltage dips, filling in the gaps and making the DC output more steady. The effectiveness grows with a larger capacitance (and proper load/ frequency), since ripple voltage roughly scales with Iload divided by the product of frequency and capacitance. Inductors can be used in more complex filters, but the standard, simple ripple reduction in this setup uses a capacitor. Transformers and diodes serve voltage conversion and rectification, not smoothing.

The smoothing capacitor across the output is what reduces the AC ripple in a full-wave bridge rectifier. After rectification, the voltage is pulsating, rising to the peak of each half-cycle and then dropping between peaks. A capacitor charges up to the peak and then releases stored charge when the voltage dips, filling in the gaps and making the DC output more steady. The effectiveness grows with a larger capacitance (and proper load/ frequency), since ripple voltage roughly scales with Iload divided by the product of frequency and capacitance. Inductors can be used in more complex filters, but the standard, simple ripple reduction in this setup uses a capacitor. Transformers and diodes serve voltage conversion and rectification, not smoothing.