An AC (alternating current) circuit is a type of electrical circuit in which the current periodically changes direction. This is in contrast to a DC (direct current) circuit, where the current flows in only one direction.
The main difference between an AC circuit and a DC circuit is the direction in which the current flows. In an AC circuit, the current periodically changes direction, while in a DC circuit, the current flows in only one direction. Additionally, AC circuits often use components such as capacitors and inductors, which are not commonly found in DC circuits.
The frequency of an AC circuit is the number of times the current changes direction per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), with one Hz being equal to one cycle per second. The standard frequency for AC circuits in most countries is 50 or 60 Hz.
RMS (root mean square) voltage is a measure of the average voltage in an AC circuit over a full cycle. It takes into account the fact that the voltage in an AC circuit changes over time. Peak voltage, on the other hand, is the highest voltage reached in a cycle. For a sine wave, the RMS voltage is equal to the peak voltage divided by the square root of 2.
Impedance is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an AC circuit. It is made up of both resistance and reactance, which is the opposition caused by components such as capacitors and inductors. In an AC circuit, impedance can affect the flow of current and the voltage across components, and is an important factor in determining the behavior of the circuit.