What is the primary function of a rectifier in a circuit?

The primary function of a rectifier in a circuit is to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). Rectifiers achieve this by allowing current to flow in only one direction, thereby transforming the bidirectional AC voltage into a unidirectional DC voltage.

This process is crucial in many electronic applications where devices operate on DC power, such as in power supplies for electronic circuits and devices. The ability of a rectifier to convert AC to DC enables the functionality of numerous electronic systems, making it an essential component in the field of electronics.

Amplifying signals, decreasing voltage, and filtering high frequencies are roles fulfilled by other components in electronic circuits, such as amplifiers, transformers, and filters, respectively, but are not the primary purpose of rectifiers.