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The basic concept of AC (Alternating Current) is that the electric current periodically changes direction, as opposed to DC (Direct Current), where the current flows in one constant direction.
In AC, the flow of electrons switches back and forth in the circuit, which means the voltage (or electrical pressure) also alternates between positive and negative values. This change happens in cycles, and the rate at which the current changes direction is measured in **Hertz (Hz)**. For example, in most countries, the AC power supplied to homes changes direction 50 or 60 times per second (50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Some important points about AC current:
- **Alternating Nature**: AC current reverses direction, usually in a sinusoidal waveform, meaning it follows a smooth, repetitive oscillation.
- **Frequency**: This tells how often the current changes direction in one second. In the U.S., it's typically 60 Hz, and in many other parts of the world, it's 50 Hz.
- **Voltage**: AC voltage also alternates between positive and negative, which is different from DC voltage, which remains constant.
AC is widely used in electrical systems because it’s easier to transmit over long distances and can be easily transformed into different voltages with the help of transformers. This is why it's the main type of electricity used in homes and industries.
In AC, the flow of electrons switches back and forth in the circuit, which means the voltage (or electrical pressure) also alternates between positive and negative values. This change happens in cycles, and the rate at which the current changes direction is measured in **Hertz (Hz)**. For example, in most countries, the AC power supplied to homes changes direction 50 or 60 times per second (50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Some important points about AC current:
- **Alternating Nature**: AC current reverses direction, usually in a sinusoidal waveform, meaning it follows a smooth, repetitive oscillation.
- **Frequency**: This tells how often the current changes direction in one second. In the U.S., it's typically 60 Hz, and in many other parts of the world, it's 50 Hz.
- **Voltage**: AC voltage also alternates between positive and negative, which is different from DC voltage, which remains constant.
AC is widely used in electrical systems because it’s easier to transmit over long distances and can be easily transformed into different voltages with the help of transformers. This is why it's the main type of electricity used in homes and industries.