DC: constant current in the forward direction
Pulsating DC: An AC signal which has it's negative components blocked
A: The terminology applies to a VALUE of DC being interrupted by its absence periodically or random
When AC full wave is rectified into DC by using bridge rectifier .The DC do not actually behave like an ordinary DC and the DC has a constant value .In fact, it is in pulsating form.This is known as Pulsating DC.
All types of generators induce EMF in sinusoidal wave form. (A.C.) In a D.C. generator the function of a commutator is to convert A.C. EMF into D.C. The commutator rectifies the output that is the alternating current so as to produce unidirectional alternating current (pulsating DC). This reverses the negative polarity current to a positive one so as the output is a pulsating DC.
diodes conduct electricity in only one direction but as ac change direction in each of its cycle diodes can only conduct half of its cycle which will give u a pulsating dc. but if dc is mixed with ac and if it can put whole of its cycle in positive direction diode can conduct ac. so diodes are usually used to produce dc from ac.
dc ammeter has three connecting pins while ac has four
As such - a single diode cannot do this. It is the way that more than one diode is configured in a circuit that does this. ANSWER : A single diode does indeed convert AC to DC. But it will be a pulsating DC by adding a capacitor it can be DC.