This simulation compares three simple half-wave rectifier arrangements and shows how a diode plus different smoothing networks shape the output from a 100 Hz AC source into a DC-like voltage. Top circuit: a single diode feeding a 100 kΩ load. The diode conducts only on positive half-cycles, so the load sees isolated pulses (pulsating DC) at the input frequency; average output is much lower than peak and contains large ripple. Middle circuit: diode 100 nF capacitor in parallel with the 100 kΩ loa