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Alternating Current (AC)

Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction, contrasting with Direct Current (DC). It is represented mathematically as sine waves, with key parameters including frequency and RMS values, and is analyzed using phasors in circuits. AC is widely used in power transmission and various applications due to its efficiency and versatility.

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5 views3 pages

Alternating Current (AC)

Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction, contrasting with Direct Current (DC). It is represented mathematically as sine waves, with key parameters including frequency and RMS values, and is analyzed using phasors in circuits. AC is widely used in power transmission and various applications due to its efficiency and versatility.

Uploaded by

devilfurio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Alternating Current (AC)

1. Introduction to Alternating Current

 Definition: An electric current that reverses its direction periodically.

 Contrast with DC: Unlike direct current (DC), which flows in one direction,
AC continuously changes polarity.

 Source: Generated by alternators in power stations.

2. Representation of AC

 Mathematical Expression: I=I0sin⁡(ωt)I = I_0 \sin(\omega t) V=V0sin⁡(ωt)V =


V_0 \sin(\omega t) where:

o I0,V0I_0, V_0 = Peak (maximum) current/voltage.

o ω=2πf\omega = 2\pi f = Angular frequency.

o = Frequency of AC (Hz).

o tt = Time.

3. Graphical Representation

 AC waveform is typically a sine wave.

 One complete cycle consists of positive and negative half-cycles.

4. AC Frequency & Time Period

 Frequency ( ): Number of cycles per second (Unit: Hertz (Hz)).

 Time Period (TT): Time taken for one complete cycle. T=1fT = \frac{1}{f}

 Standard Power Supply Frequencies:

o 50 Hz (India, Europe).

o 60 Hz (USA).

5. RMS and Average Values of AC

(a) Root Mean Square (RMS) Value

 RMS value of AC is the e ective value that produces the same heating e ect
as DC.

 Formula: Irms=I02I_{\text{rms}} = \frac{I_0}{\sqrt{2}} Vrms=V02V_{\text{rms}}


= \frac{V_0}{\sqrt{2}}
 RMS values are used in power calculations.

(b) Average Value of AC

 The average of AC over a complete cycle is zero.

 The average value over half a cycle is: Iavg=2I0πI_{\text{avg}} = \frac{2


I_0}{\pi} Vavg=2V0πV_{\text{avg}} = \frac{2 V_0}{\pi}

6. Phasor Representation of AC

 AC quantities (voltage & current) can be represented as rotating vectors


called phasors.

 Phasors help in analyzing phase relationships between voltage and current.

7. AC in Circuits

(a) AC Through a Resistor

 Ohm’s Law applies: V=IRV = IR

 Voltage and Current are in Phase.

(b) AC Through an Inductor

 Voltage leads current by 90°.

 Inductive Reactance (XLX_L): XL=ωL=2πfLX_L = \omega L = 2\pi f L (Unit: Ohm


Ω\Omega).

(c) AC Through a Capacitor

 Current leads voltage by 90°.

 Capacitive Reactance (XCX_C): XC=1ωC=12πfCX_C = \frac{1}{\omega C} =


\frac{1}{2\pi f C} (Unit: Ohm Ω\Omega).

8. LCR Circuit (Series)

 Impedance (ZZ): The total opposition to AC flow. Z=R2+(XL−XC)2Z = \sqrt{R^2


+ (X_L - X_C)^2}

 Phase Angle (ϕ\phi): tan⁡ϕ=XL−XCR\tan \phi = \frac{X_L - X_C}{R}

9. Power in AC Circuits

 Instantaneous Power: P=VIP = VI

 Average Power: Pavg=VrmsIrmscos⁡ϕP_{\text{avg}} = V_{\text{rms}}


I_{\text{rms}} \cos\phi where cos⁡ϕ\cos \phi is the Power Factor.

10. Resonance in AC Circuits


 Condition: When inductive reactance = capacitive reactance (XL=XCX_L =
X_C).

 Resonant Frequency (frf_r): fr=12πLCf_r = \frac{1}{2\pi \sqrt{LC}}

 At resonance, impedance is minimum and current is maximum.

11. Transformers

 Definition: Electrical devices that step up or step down AC voltage.

 Transformer Equation: VsVp=NsNp\frac{V_s}{V_p} = \frac{N_s}{N_p} where:

o Vs,VpV_s, V_p = Secondary & primary voltage.

o Ns,NpN_s, N_p = Number of turns in secondary & primary coil.

12. Applications of AC

 Used in power transmission due to less energy loss.

 Used in home appliances, industrial machines, and electronic devices.

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