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3 marksThe p-n Junction Diode

CAPE Physics Unit 2 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · Question 2(c)

Figure 3 is a diagram of a half-wave rectifier circuit in which the voltage, V_in, is shown.

On the graph shown in Figure 2 on page 10, sketch the output voltage for ONE cycle given that there is a volt drop of 0.7 volts across the diode, D, when it is conducting.

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Other parts of this question

  1. 2(a)(i)Use Figure 2 to determine the Peak value (amplitude) of the waveform.[1 mark]
  2. 2(a)(ii)Use Figure 2 to determine the Frequency of the waveform.[3 marks]
  3. 2(a)(iii)Use Figure 2 to determine the RMS value of the waveform.[2 marks]
  4. 2(b)Use your results from (a) to derive an expression for the waveform in Figure 2 in the form v = v_max sin ωt.[3 marks]
  5. 2(d)Complete the circuit in Figure 4 by inserting diodes at D1, D2, D3 and D4, with orientation matching the polarity of the output terminals.[4 marks]
  6. 2(e)On Figure 4, draw arrows to show the direction of current flow for the first half of the cycle, consistent with the polarity of the output terminals.[2 marks]
  7. 2(f)Given that the input to the full-wave bridge rectifier in Figure 4 is that shown in Figure 2, determine the amplitude and frequency of the fully rectified wave…[2 marks]
  8. 2(g)Describe the procedure for an experiment that can be used to verify the relationship between the peak value of an alternating current and the equivalent direct…[4 marks]
  9. 2(h)State THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of using an alternating current and high voltages for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.[6 marks]

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