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AC voltage

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College Physics I – Introduction

Definition

AC voltage, or Alternating Current voltage, is an electric potential difference that periodically reverses direction. It is commonly used in household and industrial power systems.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. AC voltage changes its polarity periodically over time, typically in a sinusoidal waveform.
  2. The standard frequency of AC voltage in the United States is 60 Hz, while in many other countries it is 50 Hz.
  3. Root Mean Square (RMS) value is often used to express AC voltage because it provides a measure of the equivalent DC voltage that would produce the same power dissipation.
  4. Transformers are devices that can step up or step down AC voltages efficiently, which makes long-distance transmission of electrical power feasible.
  5. Ohm's Law applies to AC circuits as well: $V_{rms} = I_{rms} \cdot R$, where $V_{rms}$ and $I_{rms}$ are RMS values of voltage and current respectively.

Review Questions

  • What is the typical frequency of AC voltage in most European countries?
  • How does the RMS value of an AC voltage compare to its peak value?
  • Explain how transformers utilize AC voltage for efficient power transmission.
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