alternator rectifier smoothing

I was wondering if the average GM alternater uses a capacitor to smooth the output of the rectifier. Is a fully rectified wave enough for charging the battery or does it need to be smoothed out?

I'm not sure about the GM stuff, although they never miss an opportunity to save 2 cents, so I guess they're just rectified.

I think most alternators are simply a fully rectified wave, but I'm no expert.

thanks a bunch!!

I would agree. I have rebuilt many GM alternators, and none use a capacitor.