5.2 Diodes as Rectifiers

Half-wave Rectification

1. Diodes are also known as rectifiers. They can be used to change a.c. into d.c., a process called rectification.
   
   
2. A simple rectification circuit is shown in the figure below.
3. The final waveform on the screen is the positive half only of the original a.c. waveform – hence the term ‘half-wave’ rectification.

Half-wave rectification: the negative part of the current is prevented from passing.