Question

Is a half wave rectifier AC or DC?

Answer 1

A half-wave rectifier is used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), but the output is not a pure DC.

Here’s why:

1. AC input: The half-wave rectifier takes an AC signal (which alternates between positive and negative) as input.
   

1. Rectification: The rectifier allows only one half (either positive or negative) of the AC waveform to pass through, while blocking the other half. This results in a pulsating DC output, where the current flows in only one direction.
   

  
So, while the input is AC, the output of a half-wave rectifier is a form of pulsating DC. It's not a smooth, steady DC like you'd get from a full-wave rectifier or a regulated power supply, but it's still considered DC because the current flows in only one direction.