Which device changes alternating current to direct current?

Which device changes alternating current to direct current?

• A. Rectifier
• B. Inverter
• C. Converter
• D. Transformer

Answer: (A)

Rectifier A rectifier is the device that converts alternating current into direct current. It does this with diodes that conduct in only one direction, so each alternating half-cycle is turned into a single-polarity flow. The result is pulsating DC, which is often smoothed with a filter to produce steadier DC for electronic circuits. An inverter does the opposite, turning DC into AC. A transformer changes the voltage of AC while keeping it in the AC form, so it cannot produce DC. A converter is a broad term, but when you need AC converted to DC the specific device is a rectifier.

Rectifier

A rectifier is the device that converts alternating current into direct current. It does this with diodes that conduct in only one direction, so each alternating half-cycle is turned into a single-polarity flow. The result is pulsating DC, which is often smoothed with a filter to produce steadier DC for electronic circuits.

An inverter does the opposite, turning DC into AC. A transformer changes the voltage of AC while keeping it in the AC form, so it cannot produce DC. A converter is a broad term, but when you need AC converted to DC the specific device is a rectifier.