What is the process of changing AC to DC called?

The process of changing alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) is known as rectification. This process involves using components such as diodes, which allow current to flow in only one direction, effectively converting the bidirectional flow of AC into unidirectional flow of DC.

Rectification can occur in two forms: half-wave and full-wave rectification. In half-wave rectification, only half of the AC waveform is used, while full-wave rectification uses both halves, providing a more efficient conversion to DC. Understanding this process is crucial in various applications like power supplies, where devices require a stable DC voltage to operate efficiently.

The other processes listed, such as inversion, transformation, and modulation, pertain to different functions in electrical engineering. Inversion typically refers to converting DC to AC, transformation involves changing voltage levels in AC systems, and modulation relates to varying a wave's properties for signaling purposes, thus differentiating them from rectification.