What is the physical meaning of voltage variation in ac

In summary, the process of conducting AC involves a smooth sinewave reversal of voltage polarity, causing electrons to flow from the more negative side of the supply to the more positive side. This effect happens quickly, but the electrons themselves flow slowly. In terms of energy, voltage is more related while current is related to the number of electrons.
  • #1
maheshwaran
2
0
hey, i am trying to find what is the process going on in the conductor while conducting ac.
what is happening to electrons? what is the physical meaning of negative voltage in sin curve?
 
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  • #2
Suppose you put a battery across a resistor. Whichever way you connect it, mark the resistor + and - according to the voltage polarity marked on the battery.

Now reverse the battery. The terminal marked + is now negative relative to the other terminal.

This is all that is happening with an AC voltage, but it happens in a smooth sinewave manner. If the AC input was slow enough, you could watch a voltmeter measuring it reverse polarity. It would read positive voltage for half the cycle and negative voltage for the other half of the cycle.

The electrons actually flow very slowly, so that the electrons that flow out of the resistor are not the ones that flowed into it, but the current effect happens very quickly, at speeds near the speed of light.

When you reverse the polarity of the supply, either with a battery or with an AC supply, the electrons flow in the opposite way to the way they were flowing before. They always flow from the more negative side of the supply to the more positive side.
 
  • #3
thank you so much and please say whether the following statement is correct or not.
"voltage is more related to energy and current is related to number of electrons"
 
  • #4
maheshwaran said:
thank you so much and please say whether the following statement is correct or not.
"voltage is more related to energy and current is related to number of electrons"

Yes.
 

FAQ: What is the physical meaning of voltage variation in ac

1. What is voltage variation in AC?

Voltage variation in AC refers to the change in magnitude and direction of the electric potential difference in an alternating current (AC) circuit. It is caused by the continuous flow of electricity back and forth in both directions.

2. How is voltage variation measured in AC?

Voltage variation in AC is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected in parallel to the circuit to measure the potential difference between two points in the circuit.

3. What is the physical significance of voltage variation in AC?

Voltage variation in AC is physically significant because it is the driving force that allows electricity to flow through a circuit. It is responsible for the transfer of energy from the source to the load, powering devices and appliances.

4. What factors affect voltage variation in AC?

There are several factors that can affect voltage variation in AC, including the frequency of the AC signal, the type of load connected to the circuit, and the resistance of the circuit components. Changes in these factors can result in fluctuations in voltage variation.

5. How is voltage variation different in AC and DC circuits?

In AC circuits, voltage variation occurs as the current alternates in direction, while in DC circuits, voltage remains constant as the current flows in one direction. Additionally, the amplitude and frequency of voltage variation in AC circuits can be adjusted, whereas in DC circuits, voltage remains constant.

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