To effectively remove ripples from a 50Hz, 12V pulsating DC signal, the appropriate capacitor value can be calculated using the formula C = Q/V = (I * t)/V, where I is the load current, t is the discharge time (20ms for half-wave and 10ms for full-wave or bridge rectifiers), and V is the ripple voltage. The discharge time for a bridge rectifier is the same as for a full-wave rectifier, which is 10ms. Capacitors are preferred over inductors for filtering due to their ease of fabrication, lower cost, and ability to act as peak detectors, while inductors tend to be heavier, more expensive, and can produce audible hum. Additionally, capacitors help accommodate load variations, providing low impedance, unlike inductors which have a steady-current characteristic. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective ripple reduction in rectification circuits.
