What happens to the output signal in a full wave rectifier compared to the input signal?

In a full wave rectifier, the output signal maintains the same frequency as the input signal. This is because the rectification process involves converting both the positive and negative halves of the input AC waveform into a pulsating DC output. The frequency of the output is effectively doubled compared to the input frequency because both halves of the AC signal are utilized.

For example, if the input AC signal has a frequency of 60 Hz, the output of a full-wave rectifier will have a frequency of 120 Hz due to the contribution of both the positive and negative cycles. This characteristic is essential for various applications in electronics where maintaining the frequency is crucial for proper operation and performance.

Other options may incorrectly imply aspects of the rectification process, but they don't accurately reflect what happens with frequency. For instance, the output signal is not inherently lower in amplitude, smoother (which refers to the reduction of ripple achieved through filtering rather than by rectification alone), or simply inverted; it processes the waveform but preserves its fundamental frequency characteristics.