Understanding Alternating Current (AC)

In summary, AC current moves back and forth and fluctuates. When it comes to Hertz and fluctuation, they are talking about how many times the electrons flow back and forth.
  • #1
Mr_Bojingles
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Im new to electronics and the whole concept of AC current is making my brain hurt.

From what I've gathered AC current unlike DC moves back and forth. The electrons don't just flow straight around the circuit but theyre constantly moving back and forth.

When it comes to Hertz and fluctuation are they talking about how many times the electrons flow back and forth or are they talking about fluctuations in the actual voltage or amperage?

When they say fluctuation is it the fluctuation of voltage jumping from 10 volts to 8 volts and back again or what?

I was reading that rectifying a circuit is converting the current from AC to DC and can be done with the use of a diode. Does that mean you have AC current until it hits the diode and the rest of the current past that point will be DC?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the PF, Mr Bojingles. There are two resources that I'l like to point you toward to help you in your early learning about electronics. The first is www.wikipedia.org -- it is not a great website for advanced topics, but for basic EE stuff, it is generally fine. Just go there and enter some search topics, and have fun learning new stuff!

The second is a very good and practical introductory electronics textbook that I like to recommend for self-study: "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. If you have a technical library near you (or maybe even a regular city library), check it out. Or you can buy a copy from Amazon.com or your favorite book source -- I don't think you will be disappointed with your purchase. Read that book from cover-to-cover, and you will have a very good basic understanding of introductory electronics.

I'd ask that you search on these above questions of yours at wikipedia first, please, and then absolutely post questions here if you read something that does not make sense. We are a lot more effective in answering technical questions in the main Physics and Engineering forums if the original poster (OP -- that's you) has done a little research on their own, and has specific questions about the technical material they've studied.

Again, welcome to the PF!
 
  • #3


Understanding alternating current (AC) can definitely be overwhelming for someone new to electronics. Let me try to break it down in simpler terms for you.

AC current is a type of electrical current where the direction of the flow of electrons constantly changes. This is different from direct current (DC) where the direction remains constant. In AC, the electrons move back and forth, or oscillate, within the circuit. This back and forth motion is what creates the alternating pattern of the current.

Hertz is a unit of measurement for frequency, which refers to how often the current oscillates or changes direction. So, when we talk about 60 Hz AC current, it means that the direction of the current changes 60 times per second. Fluctuation, on the other hand, refers to small changes in the amplitude (or strength) of the current. This can be caused by various factors such as changes in the load on the circuit or fluctuations in the power supply.

When we talk about rectifying a circuit, we are referring to converting the AC current to DC. This is done using a component called a diode, which allows current to flow in only one direction. So, in a rectified circuit, the current will flow in one direction after it has passed through the diode, making it DC.

I hope this helps clarify some of your questions about AC current. Keep exploring and learning, and it will become less confusing over time. Don't be afraid to ask for help or do more research if needed. Good luck!
 

1. What is alternating current (AC)?

Alternating current, or AC, is a type of electrical current that periodically changes direction. This means that the flow of electricity alternates back and forth between positive and negative directions. AC is the most commonly used type of electricity in homes and businesses.

2. How does AC differ from direct current (DC)?

Unlike AC, direct current (DC) flows in only one direction. DC is commonly used in batteries and electronic devices, while AC is used for powering homes and businesses. The main difference between AC and DC is that AC can be easily transformed into different voltages using a device called a transformer, whereas DC cannot.

3. What are the advantages of using AC?

There are several advantages to using AC. First, AC can be transmitted over long distances without significant power loss. Second, AC can be easily converted to different voltages using a transformer. Third, AC can power multiple devices at once, while DC can only power one device at a time. Finally, AC is more efficient and cost-effective for large-scale power distribution.

4. What are the common applications of AC?

AC is used in a wide range of applications, including powering homes and businesses, operating electrical motors, and charging electronic devices. It is also used in power grids for transmission and distribution of electricity to buildings and homes. AC is also used in many industrial processes, such as welding and metal smelting.

5. What are the safety considerations when working with AC?

Working with AC can be dangerous, as it carries high voltages and currents. It is important to always follow proper safety procedures and use appropriate safety equipment when working with AC. This includes wearing insulated gloves and shoes, and ensuring that all equipment is properly grounded. It is also important to never touch live AC wires or attempt to repair electrical equipment without proper training and knowledge.

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