Direction of AC current through AC mains

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of alternating current (AC) from the mains to an appliance, focusing on the frequency of current direction changes and the timing of these changes within a complete circuit loop.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the direction of current flow from the mains until it completes a full path, suggesting that the current changes direction 50 times per second.
  • One participant notes that the current changes direction 50 times in one second, referencing the frequency of 50Hz for AC mains.
  • Another participant points out a potential confusion between electron flow and current flow, indicating that current starts flowing immediately and changes direction based on frequency, with 60Hz being the standard in the US.
  • Links to external resources are provided to help visualize the concepts discussed, including an applet for circuit visualization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express some agreement regarding the frequency of direction changes in AC current; however, there is uncertainty about the implications of electron flow versus current flow, indicating a lack of consensus on the conceptual understanding.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific definitions of current and electron flow, and the discussion does not resolve the nuances between these concepts. The timing of current flow and direction changes is tied to the frequency of the AC supply, which varies by region.

Kartik.
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What would be the direction of the current from the mains till it completes its one full path and the appliance used in the circuit starts working?

See attached image.
 

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Kartik. said:
What would be the direction of the current from the mains till it completes its one full path and the appliance used in the circuit starts working?

See attached image.

That would change 50 times per second.
 
in how many seconds does the current flows throughout the complete loop once and does it change directions within that period ?
 
Kartik. said:
in how many seconds does the current flows throughout the complete loop once and does it change directions within that period ?

Kartik, mrspeedybob gave you the correct answer: the current in the loop changes direction fifty times during each one second.
 
Kartik. said:
in how many seconds does the current flows throughout the complete loop once and does it change directions within that period ?

I think you are confusing electron flow with current flow. This may help - http://amasci.com/miscon/speed.html

so, current starts flowing right away.. and how many times it changes direction depends on the frequency. 50Hz would give you the answer where the current will change direction 50 times in a second. In the US however, it is going to be 60Hz. this applet may help you visualize it better - http://www.falstad.com/circuit/#$+1...w+448+272+448+304+0 o+1+64+0+35+5.0+0.1+0+-1
 
Last edited:

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