what is the ripple factor and how we can calculate it for any particular rectifier

 

Any variation in the level of voltage is termed as ripple voltage. Usually, it appears due to the normal discharging of capacitors in power supplies. You may want to read this: http://www.antonine-education.co.uk/physics_a2/options/Module_9/Topic_3/capacitative_smoothing.htm


A detailed answer to your query is also in this thread: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=1216

Best of luck