A device uses the positive and negative charges of AC voltage to produce DC voltage. What is it called?

• A. Inverter
• B. Oscillator
• C. Full Wave Rectifier
• D. Transformer

Answer: (C)

Rectification is the process of turning alternating current into direct current by using diodes that conduct in one direction. A full-wave rectifier takes advantage of both halves of each AC cycle, using either a center-tapped transformer with two diodes or a bridge of four diodes, so the output voltage always stays in the same polarity. The result is DC (though usually pulsating unless filtered) derived from the entire AC waveform, which is why this option is the best fit for converting AC into DC.

An inverter creates AC from DC, an oscillator generates a varying signal, and a transformer changes AC voltage levels without converting to DC, so they don’t match the described function.