What is half wave rectification? Explain the working of a half wave rectifier. Indicate the waveforms of input and output voltage.

Explanation

The circuit of a half wave rectifier using a semiconductor diode is shown in figure below.
The diode in series with a load resistor is connected to the secondary of a transformer. The AC voltage to be rectified is applied to the primary of the transformer.
This produced induced voltage across the secondary of the transformer. During the positive half cycles of transformer output i.e., when A is positive, diode D is forward biased and hence it conducts. During negative half cycles, the diode D is reverse biased and hence does not coduct. Current flows through the diode circuit only during positive half cycles. the current flowing through load resistance `R_(L)` produces the rectified voltage.