UK mains electricity & current reversals

AI Thread Summary
The frequency of UK mains electricity is 50Hz, indicating that there are 50 cycles per second. Each cycle consists of the current flowing in one direction for the first half of the sinusoidal wave and then reversing direction for the second half. This means the current does indeed change direction 100 times per second, as it flows one way for each half of the cycle. The explanation clarifies the confusion regarding the relationship between frequency and current direction. Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how alternating current operates in the UK.
woollymac
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The frequency of UK mains electricity is 50Hz. I know that this means there are 50 cycles per second & so it must change direction 50 times per second but a colleague is adament that this means the current reverses direction 100 times per second. I just can't get it. Can anyone explain this to me?
 
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The current flows one way through the first half of the sinusoid, and then flows the other way during the other half. These together form one cycle:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sine_wave
 
Thanks - easy when you say it like that.
 
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