Which electronic component rectifies AC to DC?

The electronic component that rectifies alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) is the diode. Diodes are semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. This property is crucial for converting AC, which periodically reverses direction, into DC, which flows in one constant direction.

When AC voltage is applied to a diode, it will conduct current only during the positive half-cycle of the AC waveform, effectively "clipping" the negative half-cycle. This results in a pulsating DC signal, which can then be smoothed out using additional components like capacitors if a more constant DC output is required.

In contrast, other options like transistors, inductors, and capacitors serve different functions in electronic circuits. Transistors amplify or switch electronic signals but do not directly rectify AC to DC. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them and are more relevant in filtering and tuning circuits than in rectification. Capacitors store electrical energy and manage voltage fluctuations but don't perform the one-way conduction function that diodes provide. Thus, the diode is the correct choice for rectifying AC to DC.