The process of converting ac into dc is called rectification.
The diode D in series with a load resistor RL is connected to the secondary of the transformer. The ac voltage to be rectified is applied to the primary of the transformer. The secondary of a transformer supplies the desired ac voltage across terminals A and B. The output dc voltage is taken across the load RL.
Working: During the positive half cycle of input ac voltage, the end A becomes positive with respect to the end B. As a result the diode becomes forward biased and conducts the current. the current flows in the direction ADRLBA.
During the negative half cycle of input ac voltage, the end A becomes negative with respect to the end B. As a result the diode becomes reverse biased and does not conducts the current.
Thus the current flows through the diode during positive half cycle only. The current flows through the load RL always in the same direction. Hence dc output is obtained.
