Which waveform results from the characteristics of half-wave rectification?

The characteristics of half-wave rectification lead to a waveform with periodic interruptions. This process allows only one half (either the positive or the negative half) of the incoming AC signal to pass through, effectively blocking the other half. As a result, the output waveform consists of only the 'active' half-cycles of the original AC waveform, creating a series of pulses or peaks followed by gaps where no current flows.

In half-wave rectification, during the time that the input AC voltage is positive, current can flow, leading to the formation of the output peaks. However, when the input AC voltage is negative, the rectifier blocks the current, causing the waveform to drop to zero during those intervals. Thus, this creates a series of periodic interruptions that are characteristic of the half-wave rectified output. This understanding highlights the inherent behavior of the rectification process and its impact on waveform shape.