A rectifier is a device that converts an Alternating Current (AC) into a Direct Current (DC) by using one or more contact diodes. ... In simple words, a diode allows current in just one direction. This unique property of the diode allows it to act sort of a rectifier by converting an alternating current to a DC source.

When diode is used as a rectifier?

An ideal p-n junction diode has zero resistance in forward direction and infinite resistance in reverse bias. This can be used to eliminate the negative cycles in an AC voltage waveform and allow only the positive cycles. This process is called rectification and is useful in many applications like AC to DC conversion.

How does a diode act as a rectifier explain with the help of a diagram?

A current IL passes through the load resistance RL in the direction shown in the diagram. During the next half cycle when the p-region is negative the diode is reverse biased and the forward current drops to zero. Thus the diode conducts only during an half of the input cycle and thus acts as a half wave rectifier.