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:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945695/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945695&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=ceafcc80bcad6b6754ee97a0c7ceea53 ''Alternating currents, page 214, Gateway GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, OCR '']
==Key Stage 5==
===Meaning===
[[Alternating Current]] ([[Alternating Current|AC]]) is an [[Electrical Current|electric current]] that periodically reverses direction.
===About Alternating Currents===
*Standard form of [[electricity]] supplied to homes and businesses.
*[[Alternating Current|AC]] voltage oscillates in a sinusoidal pattern.
*Frequency of [[Alternating Current|AC]] is 50 [[Hertz|Hz]] or 60 [[Hertz|Hz]] depending on the region.
*[[Alternating Current|Alternating current]] is used for power distribution because it is more efficient over long distances.
*[[Alternating Current|AC]] can be easily transformed to different voltages using [[Electrical Transformer|transformers]].
*The root mean square (RMS) value of [[Alternating Current|AC]] voltage is used to express its effective value.
*[[Alternating Current|Alternating current]] can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI), which needs to be managed in sensitive electronic equipment.
*[[Alternating Current|Alternating current]] is generated by [[alternator]]s in power plants and is used in [[motor]]s, [[generator]]s, and various household appliances.
===Examples===
*Household electrical outlets provide [[Alternating Current|AC]] power.
*[[Alternating Current|AC]] is used in power transmission over long distances due to reduced energy loss.