PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
On
RECTIFIER
Submitted by:
Name: ___________
Class: XII
Roll No: _____
School: ___________
Session: 2025-26
Certificate
This is to certify that the project entitled “RECTIFIER” has been successfully completed and
submitted by ____________________ of Class XII during the academic session 2025–26 in partial
fulfillment of the Physics investigatory project requirement under CBSE curriculum.
Signature of Teacher: ___________________
Signature of Principal: ___________________
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Physics teacher, who provided
invaluable guidance, support, and motivation throughout this project. I would also like to
thank my school principal for giving me this opportunity. Lastly, I would like to thank my
classmates and parents for their constant encouragement.
Abstract
This project focuses on the concept and working of rectifiers, which are essential electrical
devices that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). The project discusses
the types of rectifiers — half-wave and full-wave — their circuit designs, working
principles, efficiency, and applications in real life.
Introduction
In our daily life, most electronic devices such as mobile chargers, radios, and computers
require DC supply for operation. However, the electricity supplied from power stations is
AC. To convert AC into DC, a device called a rectifier is used. Rectifiers form an important
part of all power supplies used in electronic circuits.
Objective
To study and understand the working of a rectifier, its types, and its role in converting
alternating current to direct current.
Theory
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current
(DC).
It mainly consists of diodes, which allow current to flow only in one direction.
Types of Rectifiers
1. Half-Wave Rectifier – Converts only one half (positive or negative) of the AC cycle into DC.
2. Full-Wave Rectifier – Converts both halves of the AC cycle into DC.
- Center-Tapped Full-Wave Rectifier
- Bridge Rectifier
Half-Wave Rectifier
In a half-wave rectifier, a single diode is used. During the positive half-cycle of AC, the diode
becomes forward biased and allows current to flow through the load resistor. During the
negative half-cycle, the diode is reverse biased, and no current flows. Hence, only half of the
AC waveform is converted into DC.
[Diagram: Half-Wave Rectifier Circuit and Waveform]
Full-Wave Rectifier
In a full-wave rectifier, both halves of the AC signal are used. Two types of full-wave
rectifiers exist:
1. Center-Tapped Full-Wave Rectifier – It uses two diodes and a center-tapped transformer.
Each diode conducts during alternate half cycles, resulting in current through the load in the
same direction.
2. Bridge Rectifier – It uses four diodes connected in a bridge arrangement. This setup does
not require a center-tapped transformer and provides higher efficiency.
[Diagram: Full-Wave Rectifier Circuit and Waveform]
Important Formulas
1. Ripple Factor (γ) = √(Vrms² / Vdc² - 1)
2. Efficiency (η) = (DC Power Output / AC Power Input) × 100%
3. Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) = Maximum voltage a diode can withstand in reverse bias
Observation Table
The following readings are taken during the practical experiment using a step-down
transformer, diodes, and load resistor:
Input Voltage (V) Output Voltage (Vdc) Type of Rectifier
6 2.5 Half-Wave
6 5.0 Full-Wave (Bridge)
Result / Conclusion
1. The Half-Wave Rectifier converts only one half of the AC signal into DC.
2. The Full-Wave Rectifier converts both halves into DC, giving smoother output.
3. The Bridge Rectifier is more efficient and does not require a center-tapped transformer.
Applications
1. Used in power supply circuits to convert AC mains to DC.
2. Used in radio and TV receivers.
3. Used in battery charging circuits.
4. Used in welding and electroplating applications.
Precautions
1. Connections should be tight and correct.
2. Use the diode in the correct polarity.
3. The transformer should be handled carefully.
4. The AC supply should be within safe limits.
Bibliography
1. NCERT Physics Textbook – Class XII
2. Pradeep’s Fundamental Physics
3. Comprehensive Practical Physics – Class XII
4. [Link]