How Does Current Behave Over Time in AC Circuits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between current and voltage in AC circuits, particularly in purely resistive loads. It emphasizes that while voltage fluctuates in AC systems, current does not remain constant; instead, it varies in accordance with the voltage. The conversation highlights the importance of measuring both RMS voltage and RMS current, noting that simply multiplying these values does not guarantee accurate RMS power calculations due to the influence of the power factor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC circuit fundamentals
  • Knowledge of RMS (Root Mean Square) calculations
  • Familiarity with voltage and current measurement techniques
  • Concept of power factor in electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research AC circuit analysis techniques
  • Learn about RMS voltage and current calculations
  • Study the concept of power factor and its implications in AC circuits
  • Explore tools for measuring AC voltage and current accurately
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and professionals involved in power engineering will benefit from this discussion.

Benjamin_harsh
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Homework Statement
Current Vs Time in AC Current.
Relevant Equations
Current Vs Time in AC Current.
I always find voltage vs time majorly in case of AC current. What about current V time in AC current cases?
 
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One can plot current versus time, certainly.

For a purely resistive load (an AC power source driving current through a resistor), how does current relate to voltage?
 
jbriggs444 said:
One can plot current versus time, certainly.

For a purely resistive load (an AC power source driving current through a resistor), how does current relate to voltage?
So how current stays same while voltage repeatedly fluctuates in AC current?
 
Benjamin_harsh said:
So how current stays same while voltage repeatedly fluctuates in AC current?
Current does not stay the same in this situation.

If you are measuring a fluctuating voltage, you should be working to measure a fluctuating current.

If you are measuring an average (for instance, a root mean square average) voltage then you should be working to measure an average (for instance, a root mean square average) current.

Note that multiplying RMS voltage by RMS current is not guaranteed to yield RMS power. Hence the notion of a power factor. [That was a serious learning moment when I first encountered that -- those power engineering dudes face interesting challenges. Some of them hang out here]
 
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