PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Topic : Full Wave Rectifier (Center
tapped rectifier circuit)
Session: 2025-26
Submitted by: Abhista Nandan Borah
Class: XII A
Roll No.:05
Certificate
This is to certify that the project report
titled “Construction of a Full Wave
Rectifier” has been prepared by Abhista
Nandan Borah, student of Class XII-A,
under the guidance of Mr Probin Likharu
Sir. This project is a genuine and original
work done by me during the academic
year 2025-26 at Delhi Public School,
Numaligarh
Signature of Internal Examiner:
Signature of External Examiner:
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to
my Physics teacher, Mr Probin Likharu Sir, for his
continuous guidance and encouragement
throughout this project. His valuable suggestions
and support were instrumental in completing my
work successfully.
I am also thankful to the Principal and the school
management of Delhi Public School, Numaligarh,
for providing all the necessary resources and a
supportive environment. I deeply appreciate my
parents for their constant motivation and help
during the project.
This project helped me enhance my
understanding of practical electronics, and I am
grateful to everyone who supported me along
the way.
INDEX
1. CERTIFICATE
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3. OBJECTIVE
4. INTRODUCTION
5. MATERIALS REQUIRED
6. THEORY
7. PROCEDURE
8. OBSERVATION
9. GRAPH
10.RESULT
11.PRECAUTION
12.BIBLIOGRAPHY
OBJECTIVE
To construct a full wave rectifier and
show that Alternating Current is
rectified into a Direct Current.
INTRODUCTION
A full wave rectifier is an electronic circuit that
converts all the alternating current (AC) in an input
into direct current (DC) by rectifying both halves of
the AC cycle. This is more efficient than a half wave
rectifier, as it makes use of both positive and
negative halves, resulting in a smoother and more
reliable DC output.
Most electronic devices require steady DC to
operate safely, because AC with its changing
direction and higher voltage can damage sensitive
electronic circuits. Relying on batteries for every
device is not practical due to the issues of
replacement and durability, especially for regularly
used gadgets.
Full wave rectifiers are crucial in devices like
televisions, radios, chargers, and lighting systems,
ensuring they receive a stable DC supply directly
from household AC. Their use improves the
performance and safety of electronics, making
them an essential part of modern electrical
technology.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Connecting wires
A plug
Single lead wire – 2m
3 nuts & Bolts 2 to 3cm length
Circuit board
A Transformer
A capacitor
A Resistor (1 KΩ)
P-N junction diodes
A LED
Insulation tape, Blades, soldering
wax, soldering lead, soldering iron &
sand paper.
Theory
A full wave rectifier is a circuit that converts
the entire AC input into DC output by using two
diodes in such a way that both halves (positive
and negative) of the AC cycle are used. When
the AC supply is given, each diode conducts
during alternate half-cycles so that the current
through the load always flows in the same
direction.
The rectified output is not perfectly smooth and
contains ripples. To minimize these, a filter
capacitor is often used, which stores and
releases charge to smoothen the voltage. The
ultimate goal is to obtain a steady DC voltage
which can be used to power devices like LEDs.
Procedure
We connected the transformer to the AC mains
supply.
The secondary of the transformer was attached to
both diodes.
The anode of each diode connected to each end of
the transformer's secondary, and their cathodes
joined at one end of the resistor (load).
A filter capacitor was connected in parallel with the
resistor.
An LED was connected across the resistor to check
the rectified output.
When powered on, current passed through one diode
during the AC’s positive cycle and the other during
the negative, making the output flow in only one
direction.
The capacitor filtered most ripples, resulting in a
more constant DC voltage.
The LED glowed, confirming DC output.
Observation
When the circuit was powered, the
LED glowed, showing that the circuit
was providing DC output.
The voltage measured at the output
was around the expected value (~8V
peak, slightly lower after filtering).
The output was smoother when the
capacitor was connected, with less
flickering in the LED.
If observed on a CRO (oscilloscope),
the output was unidirectional and of
double the frequency compared to
the input AC.
Graph
To clearly show the difference between
the input and rectified output, here is a
graph:
The blue curve is the input AC voltage
(alternating, both positive and
negative).
The orange curve is the rectified
outputvoltage(only positive, pulsating
DC).
Result
It was observed that the full-wave rectifier
converted the alternating current supplied
from the transformer into direct current, as
shown by the glowing LED and the presence
of pulsating DC voltage at the output.
Precautions
Ensure all connections are tight and
correct to avoid circuit failure.
Use diodes with enough current rating
to avoid damage.
The transformer should match the
required output voltage and current.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Physics – Textbook for Class XII;
NCERT
Modern’s abc of PHYSICS
LABORATORY MANUAL OF PHYSICS
(Universal Publications)
Websites:
www.google.com
www.ncert.nic.in
THANK YOU
