Alternating Current (AC) and Electromotive Force (EMF)
Definition of Alternating Current (AC): A current whose magnitude continuously varies with time and whose direction reverses periodically.
Alternating EMF: Corresponding voltage that varies in a similar manner.
AC Waveform
Complete Cycle: During one complete cycle, the current or EMF first rises from zero to maximum in one direction, falls to zero, becomes maximum in the reverse direction, and falls back to zero.
Instantaneous AC: At any instant 't', it is represented mathematically as:
extI=extI0extsin(extwt)
Where,
extI0 = maximum value of current (peak value of AC).
extw=2extπf = angular frequency.
T = time period.
extwt = phase of AC current or EMF.
Instantaneous AC EMF: Given by:
E=E0extsin(extwt)
Where,
E0 = maximum value of EMF (peak value of AC EMF).
Sinusoidal Waveform: The shape of the AC waveform is similar to a sine function, referred to as a sinusoidal waveform.
Peak Value of AC
Peak Value of AC Current: Maximum value of AC current in either direction, denoted as extI0 (current amplitude).
Peak Value of AC Voltage: Maximum value of AC voltage in either direction, denoted as E0 (voltage amplitude).
Mean Value (Average Value) of AC
Total Contribution: The value of AC over the positive half cycle equals the value over the negative half cycle, leading to a net mean value of zero over one complete cycle.
Mean Value Calculation:
Average value of AC over a half cycle
Represents the value of steady current that transmits the same amount of charge as AC in the same time interval.