Characteristics of Alternating Current
There are certain characteristics of AC stated below, these are characteristics to describe AC quantities:
- The magnitude of current in AC circuit is variable. This means that the amplitude of current can be represented as a function.
- The value and phase of current are periodic. This indicates that the value of quantities repeats after a certain interval of time.
- Alternating Currents can be transferred over large range of distances without any significant power loss.
- Generally AC current is represented using a sin wave but it can be triangular, rectangular or any other finite periodic function.
- Alternating currents generally require less maintenance cost than DC current.
Working Principles of Alternating Current Generator
Do you ever wonder what kind of current flows in the power lines of our household? Is it the same current that is generated in electronic devices with DC battery supply or is it something different? In this article, we will discuss a different current that alternates i.e. varies in magnitude and direction. This type of current is called alternating current.
Alternating current is generally seen flowing in power lines(telephone cables, office lines) and normal household electricity that comes from a wall outlet. It is basically used for industrial, chemical, and domestic power usage where it is transmitted over a long distance. The most common frequency for AC power in many parts of the world is 50 or 60 hertz (Hz), meaning the direction of the current changes 50 or 60 times per second. On the contrary, we have DC current which flows in one direction and doesn’t change polarity.
In this article, we will see all the terminologies related to AC current, the method used for generating AC current, and the difference between AC and DC current. We will also discuss the phasors and the application of AC currents. The later part of this article will talk about AC circuit analysis.