Text: The process of changing alternating currents to pulsating direct currents wherein only one-half of the full alternating current wave or cycle is rectified, the other portion being blocked by the action of the rectifier. In the illustration is shown a typical half wave rectification process. The upper graph shows the sine wave representing an alternating current, such as supplied from an ordinary alternating current house lighting system. Here A-B represents one complete cycle or two alternations, one positive and the other negative. In the lower graph is shown the form taken by the current after passing through a half wave rectifier. It now appears as a pulsating or intermittent direct current, only the upper or positive alternations having passed through the rectifier. The shaded portions below the line represent the negative or unused alter nations.

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Source: 190