What component can be added to eliminate pulsating output voltage in a circuit?

Prepare for the Lineman Apprenticeship exam. Access quizzes with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the electrical industry!

In circuits where pulsating output voltage is present, adding a capacitor is an effective method for smoothing out the fluctuations in the voltage. Capacitors have the ability to store electrical energy and release it as needed. When placed in a circuit, they charge up during the peak voltage periods and discharge during the dips, thereby reducing the amplitude of voltage variations. This process results in a more stable and continuous output voltage, making capacitors essential in power supply circuits and filtering applications.

Additionally, the use of capacitors is common in conjunction with rectifiers in power supply circuits to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The pulsating output voltage that results from this conversion can be significantly smoothed out by capacitors.

While other components like resistors, inductors, and transformers have their uses in electrical circuits, they do not function in the same way to suppress pulsations in voltage. Resistors dissipate energy and do not store it; inductors may help in filtering but primarily resist changes in current rather than directly smoothing voltage output; and transformers are used to change voltage levels rather than specifically addressing pulsating voltages.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy