alternating electric current

Thân thiện

An electrician uses a multimeter to check the alternating electric current in a wall outlet.

Definition

Noun: * An electric current that periodically and smoothly reverses its direction of flow. This reversal happens in a sinusoidal (wave-like) pattern, changing from positive to negative and back again at a specific frequency.

Usage

• "Alternating electric current" is the technical, full term for the type of electricity used in power grids and standard wall outlets. It is often abbreviated as AC.
• It is used to describe the fundamental nature of the electrical supply, contrasting with direct current (DC).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "AC" vs. "DC": The primary distinction in electrical engineering is between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), which flows in one direction only.
• Frequency and Voltage: When describing AC, its characteristics are defined by its frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz) and its voltage (e.g., 120V or 230V).

Variants and Related Words

• AC (noun): The universal abbreviation for "alternating current."
• Alternating current (noun): A slightly shorter, more common form of the full term.
• Sinusoidal current (noun): A technical synonym emphasizing the wave shape of the current.

Synonyms

• AC
• Sinusoidal current

Antonyms

• Direct current (DC)
• Steady current

Học thuật

Noun

1. an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally
   • In the US most household current is AC at 60 cycles per second

Từ đồng nghĩa

• alternating current
• AC