How Do I Calculate Wavelength in an AC Circuit?

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In an AC circuit, the current varies sinusoidally, and understanding how to calculate wavelength requires knowledge of frequency, which cannot be determined solely by measuring current. To find the maximum and minimum values of current from a graph, one should analyze the waveform directly rather than relying on assumptions. The user questions whether the wavelength is 1/10 and if the maximum and minimum currents are 8A and -8A, respectively. Additionally, they inquire about the timing for the next peaks, suggesting 11 minutes for maximum and 16 minutes for minimum. Clarification on the homework problem and an attempt at a solution are necessary for further assistance.
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I've just begun learning physics for the first time. Please can anyone help me understand how to work through this problem?

In an AC (Alternating Current) circuit, the current, I, measured in Amps (A) varies sinusoidally

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i332...How can I calculate the wavelength of this current? Also, at what times will the current next reach its maximum and minimum values? And how can I estimate the maximum and minimum current from this graph?I wonder if the wavelength is 1/10?

Is the time it next reaches its maximum peak 11 minutes? And 16 minutes for its minimum peak?

Furthermore, is the minimum current -8A and the maximum current 8A?

I'm not if these answers are correct as don't know how to work this question out. I unfortunately don't have a teacher I can ask as I'm an independent student.

Please can anyone help me?

Thank you very much!
 
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In an alternating current that current is as you say varying, reaching some maximum flow amount, then reversing and reaching the maximum amount in the opposite direction.
You can't determine what the frequency is just by measuring the current, you would need a device intended for the purpose, typically an oscilloscope
 
You'll not need to calculate to deduce the required info from the graph(waveform)
 
Durley said:
I've just begun learning physics for the first time. Please can anyone help me understand how to work through this problem?

In an AC (Alternating Current) circuit, the current, I, measured in Amps (A) varies sinusoidally

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i332...How can I calculate the wavelength of this current? Also, at what times will the current next reach its maximum and minimum values? And how can I estimate the maximum and minimum current from this graph?I wonder if the wavelength is 1/10?

Is the time it next reaches its maximum peak 11 minutes? And 16 minutes for its minimum peak?

Furthermore, is the minimum current -8A and the maximum current 8A?

I'm not if these answers are correct as don't know how to work this question out. I unfortunately don't have a teacher I can ask as I'm an independent student.

Please can anyone help me?

Thank you very much!

Welcome to PF!

The PF Rules require that all users requesting help with a HW problem fill out the HW template.

PF Rules also require that a user attempt a solution before receiving any help with HW.

It's not clear what your HW problem is asking you.
 
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