Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G7A
G7A06G7A

What portion of the AC cycle is converted to DC by a full-wave rectifier?

Deep Dive: G7A06

The correct answer is D: 360 degrees. The portion of the AC cycle converted to DC by a full-wave rectifier is 360 degrees. A full-wave rectifier conducts during both halves of the AC cycle, converting the entire cycle to DC. For amateur radio operators, this explains full-wave operation. Understanding this helps when analyzing rectifier circuits.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A (90 degrees): Incorrect. 90 degrees is one quarter cycle - full-wave rectifies the full cycle (360°), not one quarter. 90° is too small. Option B (180 degrees): Incorrect. 180 degrees is one half cycle - full-wave rectifies the full cycle (360°), not one half. 180° is half-wave, not full-wave. Option C (270 degrees): Incorrect. 270 degrees is three quarters - full-wave rectifies the full cycle (360°), not three quarters. 270° is too small.

Exam Tip

Full-wave rectifier converts = 360 degrees of AC cycle. Think 'F'ull-'W'ave = 'F'ull cycle = '3'60 degrees. Full-wave rectifies both halves of AC cycle, converting entire cycle to DC. Not 90°, not 180° (half-wave), not 270° - just 360°.

Memory Aid

Full-wave rectifier converts = 360 degrees of AC cycle. Think 'F'ull-'W'ave = 'F'ull cycle = '3'60 degrees. Full-wave rectifies both halves of AC cycle, converting entire cycle to DC. Uses both halves of AC power.

Real-World Example

A full-wave rectifier: During the positive half of the AC cycle (0-180°), one diode conducts. During the negative half (180-360°), another diode conducts. Full-wave converts 360 degrees of the AC cycle to DC, using both halves of the available power.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G7A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G7 - Practical Circuits

Key Concepts

Full-wave rectifier 360 degrees AC cycle Rectification

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G7A topic.