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A triac is a semi-conductor device which acts as a
  • a)
    2 Terminal unidirectional switch
  • b)
    2 Terminal bidirectional switch
  • c)
    3 Terminal bidirectional switch
  • d)
    5 terminal multi-directional switch
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
A triac is a semi-conductor device which acts as aa)2 Terminal unidire...
Triac:
  • A Triac is a bidirectional thyristor with three terminals i.e. it can conduct in both directions.
  • Its three terminals are usually designated as MT1 (Anode 1), MT2 (Anode 2), and the gate by G as in a thyristor.
  • When in operation, a Triac is equivalent to two SCRs connected in antiparallel.
  • As the Triac can conduct in both directions, the terms anode and cathode are not applicable to Triac.
  • It is used extensively for the control of power in ac circuits.
     
The symbol and the i-v characteristics of triac are shown below.

A triac may sometimes operate in the rectifier mode rather than in the bidirectional mode. This may happen due to the following reasons.
  • For a given value of positive gate current, a triac may turn on with MT2 positive in the first quadrant but may fail to turn on with MT2 negative.
  • With constant negative gate current, the triac may turn on with MT2 negative in the third quadrant but may not turn on with MT2 positive.
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Community Answer
A triac is a semi-conductor device which acts as aa)2 Terminal unidire...
Triac as a 3 Terminal Bidirectional Switch

A triac is a semiconductor device that acts as a bidirectional switch and is commonly used in AC power control applications. It is a three-terminal device that can conduct current in both directions when triggered appropriately. The correct answer to the given question is option 'C', which states that a triac is a three-terminal bidirectional switch.

Three-Terminal Device
A triac consists of three terminals: Main Terminal 1 (MT1), Main Terminal 2 (MT2), and Gate (G). These terminals are used to control the flow of current through the device.

Bidirectional Switch
A bidirectional switch is a device that can control the flow of current in both directions. Unlike a unidirectional switch, which can only conduct current in one direction, a bidirectional switch is suitable for AC power control applications where the current periodically changes direction.

Working Principle
A triac is a two-way thyristor, meaning it can conduct current in both directions. It consists of two SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) structures connected in parallel but in opposite directions. The operation of a triac can be understood by considering the four quadrants of its operation.

1. Quadrant I: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is positive, and the gate current is positive. The triac is forward-biased, and it conducts current. This quadrant represents the positive half-cycle of an AC waveform.

2. Quadrant II: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is negative, and the gate current is positive. The triac is reverse-biased, and it does not conduct current. This quadrant represents the negative half-cycle of an AC waveform.

3. Quadrant III: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is negative, and the gate current is negative. The triac is forward-biased, and it conducts current. This quadrant represents the negative half-cycle of an AC waveform.

4. Quadrant IV: In this quadrant, the voltage across MT1 and MT2 is positive, and the gate current is negative. The triac is reverse-biased, and it does not conduct current. This quadrant represents the positive half-cycle of an AC waveform.

Applications
Due to its bidirectional switching capability, a triac is widely used in various AC power control applications such as:

1. Dimmer switches: Triacs are commonly used in lighting control circuits to adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps.
2. Motor speed control: Triacs can be used to control the speed of AC motors.
3. Heating control: Triacs are used in electric heaters and ovens for temperature control.
4. Power control: Triacs are used for power regulation in AC circuits.

In conclusion, a triac is a three-terminal bidirectional switch that can conduct current in both directions when triggered appropriately. It is a versatile device widely used in AC power control applications.
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A triac is a semi-conductor device which acts as aa)2 Terminal unidirectional switchb)2 Terminal bidirectional switchc)3 Terminal bidirectional switchd)5 terminal multi-directional switchCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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