Alternating Current
Revision as of 15:47, 1 March 2019 by NRJC (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==Key Stage 4== ===Meaning=== An '''alternating current''' is an electrical current which changes direction. ===About Alternating Currents=== : '''Alte...")
Key Stage 4
Meaning
An alternating current is an electrical current which changes direction.
About Alternating Currents
- Alternating currents are caused by alternating potential differences.
- Alternating currents have a frequency at which they alternate.
- Mains electricity is an alternating current working at a frequency of 50Hz, so the current changes direction 50 times every second.
- Alternating currents cannot be used to charge a cell or battery.
- Alternating currents cannot be used in electrolysis.
- Alternating currents are used in transformers.
Examples
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| An oscilloscope trace of mains electricity shows its frequency is 50Hz as the time period is 0.02s per oscillation and the peak potential difference is 320V, but the average over time is 230V. |