Alternating to Direct: Rectifying Alternating Current

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this activity for classes learning about diodes and electrical currents. The laboratory illustrates how diodes can be used to rectify alternating current. It uses a galvanometer to determine the direction of current flow when an AC or DC current is applied to the circuit containing a diode in series with a resistor and a galvanometer. The lesson includes step by step directions for the experiment. The activity should require about 20-30 minutes of class time to complete. Discussion questions and teacher notes are included.