SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-rectifier-ac-to-dc

Which device changes alternating current into a varying direct current signal?

A rectifier.

  1. Transformer
  2. Rectifier ✔
  3. Amplifier

Why: A rectifier uses diodes to let current flow only one way, turning AC into pulsing DC. A power supply then smooths and regulates it.

Huh, didn't know that: A bridge rectifier uses four diodes so both halves of the AC wave get used.

The dad joke
Why did the AC current visit the rectifier? It needed help going in one direction in life.
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Sources

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (Feb 19, 2026 release) https://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf

Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.