Full Wave Rectifier Educational Circuit Board, Multi,for Kid

Step by step 8 steps

1. 1

   Build the half wave circuit on the left of the board: one diode in series with an LED and its resistor, across the AC input.

2. 2

   Build the bridge on the right: four diodes in a diamond, bands meeting at the positive output and plain ends meeting at the negative output, with the second LED and resistor across the output.

3. 3

   Fit the two-way switch so the AC goes to one circuit at a time, and connect the capacitor through its own switch across the full wave output, long leg to positive.

4. 4

   Mount each output LED at the end of about 50 cm of twin wire, like a wand, so it can be waved without moving the board.

5. 5

   Ask an adult to plug in the adapter. Measure the AC input, then the DC output of each circuit: the full wave output should be nearly double the half wave output.

6. 6
   Swing test

   In a dim room, sweep the half wave LED quickly through the air. It draws a dashed line with long gaps, because it is dark for every negative half cycle.

7. 7

   Switch to full wave and sweep its LED the same way: the dashes come twice as often with short gaps. Switch in the capacitor and the trail becomes an almost continuous line.

8. 8

   Ask an adult to unplug the adapter and let the capacitor discharge before handling the board, and label each section with its waveform drawing.