Which statement best describes a full-bridge rectifier?

• A. Uses a single diode and a capacitor
• B. Uses two diodes in a bridge
• C. Uses four diodes in bridge configuration
• D. Uses diodes arranged in a circular loop

Answer: (C)

A full-bridge rectifier uses four diodes arranged in a bridge so that current through the load always flows in the same direction, regardless of which way the input AC swings. This setup achieves full-wave rectification without needing a center-tapped transformer.

During the positive half-cycle, current travels through two diagonally opposite diodes to the load and returns through the other two diodes back to the source. When the input reverses, the other pair of diodes conducts, but the load polarity remains the same. That consistent direction through the load is what makes it a full-bridge configuration.

If you see a circuit with a single diode and a capacitor, that’s a half-wave rectifier with smoothing, not a full-bridge. Two diodes can realize full-wave rectification only with a center-tapped transformer, which isn’t the bridge configuration. A simple circular loop of diodes isn’t a standard rectifier description.