What is the primary function of a rectifier?

The primary function of a rectifier is to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This process is essential in various electronic applications where DC is needed, such as powering electronic devices, charging batteries, and supplying power to circuits that require a steady voltage.

Rectifiers achieve this by allowing current to flow in only one direction, effectively blocking the negative half of an AC waveform. As a result, the output waveform from a rectifier is pulsed DC, which can then be smoothed and filtered to produce a more constant DC level. This conversion is critical because many electronic components operate on DC voltage, making the rectifying process a fundamental operation in power supply design.

The other options present functions that are not directly related to the primary role of a rectifier. For instance, boosting voltage levels pertains more to devices like transformers or boost converters, regulating current flow involves control circuits and regulators, and storing electrical energy is the function of capacitors or batteries. Each of these functions serves a different purpose in the realm of electronics, but they do not encompass the core purpose of a rectifier.