"Alternating current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction."
Introduction to alternating current, voltage and current waveforms, RMS and peak value, capacitive and inductive reactance, inductive and capacitive circuits, impedance, power factor, resonance.
Electric Charge and Electric Field: This topic covers the basic concepts of electric charge and electric field.
Ohm's Law: This law states the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance.
Resistance and Resistivity: This topic covers the concept of resistance and how it depends on the type of material used.
Power: Power refers to the rate at which energy is transferred or converted.
Kirchhoff's Laws: These laws describe the relationship between currents and voltages in a circuit.
Series and Parallel Circuits: A circuit is a path that allows an electric current to flow. In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end so that the current flows through each in turn. In a parallel circuit, components are connected in branches so that the current flows through several paths.
Capacitors: A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy.
Inductors: An inductor is a device that stores magnetic energy.
Impedance and Admittance: Impedance is the opposition to the flow of current in a circuit. Admittance is the inverse of impedance and measures the ease with which a circuit passes current.
Power Factor: Power factor is the ratio of real power to apparent power in a circuit.
Transformers: A transformer is a device that changes the voltage of an alternating current.
Three-Phase Systems: A three-phase system is a method of delivering electricity that uses three wires and three current-carrying conductors.
Resonance: Resonance occurs in a circuit when the frequency of the applied voltage matches the natural frequency of the circuit.
Filters: A filter is a circuit that selectively allows frequencies through.
Fourier Series: Fourier series is a method of representing periodic functions as a sum of sine and cosine functions.
AC Power: AC power refers to alternating current power, which is the type of electrical power commonly used in homes and businesses.
Rectifiers: A rectifier is a device that converts AC power to DC power.
Diodes: A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction.
Transistors: A transistor is a semiconductor device that acts like a switch or amplifier.
Operational Amplifiers: An operational amplifier is a type of electronic amplifier that amplifies differential input signals.
Waveforms: Waveforms describe the shape of an alternating current or voltage.
Phase Angle: Phase angle is the difference in phase between two waveforms.
Vector Representation: Vector representation describes a waveform using magnitude and phase angle.
AC Circuit Analysis: AC circuit analysis involves determining the voltages and currents in an AC circuit.
Circuit Simulation: Circuit simulation involves using software to analyze and design AC circuits.
Single-phase circuits: A single-phase AC circuit has only one alternating current waveform, typically occurring in residential or small commercial settings. It includes two wires, one for each direction of current flow.
Two-phase circuits: A two-phase AC circuit is similar to a single-phase circuit but has two alternating current waveforms instead of one. This type of circuit is typically used in industrial settings to power motors and machinery.
Three-phase circuits: A three-phase AC circuit has three alternating current waveforms that are offset from each other by 120 degrees. Three-phase power is commonly used in industrial applications, along with some large residential and commercial installations.
Polyphase circuits: A polyphase AC circuit has more than three alternating current waveforms. It is a common form of AC circuit used to improve the efficiency of generators and motors.
Balanced circuits: In a balanced AC circuit, the loads on each phase are equal, meaning the current and voltage are evenly distributed. This is ideal for maintaining the stability of the circuit.
Unbalanced circuits: In an unbalanced AC circuit, the loads on each phase are unequal, which can cause instability and lead to power loss. It's important to balance an AC circuit whenever possible to maintain the circuit's operational efficiency.
Resonant circuits: A resonant circuit is created when an inductor and capacitor are connected together in parallel, creating a fluctuation in the frequency and amplitude of the alternating current signal. These circuits are commonly used in radio and television broadcasting.
Series circuits: A series AC circuit has two or more components connected in a single path, with the same current flowing through each component. The total voltage for the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops across each component.
Parallel circuits: A parallel AC circuit has two or more components connected in a way that allows current to flow through multiple paths simultaneously. The voltage across each component is the same, and the total current for the circuit is equal to the sum of the individual currents flowing through each component.
Combination circuits: A combination AC circuit is a combination of series and parallel circuits, arranged so that voltage can travel through multiple paths, but with the same current flow through each path.
"Alternating current is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences."
"Consumers typically use alternating current when they plug kitchen appliances, televisions, fans, and electric lamps into a wall socket."
"A common source of DC power is a battery cell in a flashlight."
"The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, respectively, as when they modify current or voltage."
"The usual waveform of alternating current in most electric power circuits is a sine wave."
"In certain applications, like guitar amplifiers, different waveforms are used, such as triangular waves or square waves."
"Audio and radio signals carried on electrical wires are also examples of alternating current. These types of alternating current carry information such as sound (audio) or images (video) sometimes carried by modulation of an AC carrier signal."
"These currents typically alternate at higher frequencies than those used in power transmission."
"Alternating current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction."
"Alternating current is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences."
"Kitchen appliances, televisions, fans, and electric lamps are examples of devices that typically use alternating current when plugged into a wall socket."
"A common source of DC power is a battery cell in a flashlight."
"The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, respectively, as when they modify current or voltage."
"The usual waveform of alternating current in most electric power circuits is a sine wave."
"In certain applications, like guitar amplifiers, different waveforms are used, such as triangular waves or square waves."
"Audio and radio signals carried on electrical wires are also examples of alternating current. These types of alternating current carry information such as sound (audio) or images (video) sometimes carried by modulation of an AC carrier signal."
"These currents typically alternate at higher frequencies than those used in power transmission."
"Alternating current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction."
"Electric power is delivered to businesses and residences in the form of alternating current, which is the form of electrical energy that consumers typically use when they plug kitchen appliances, televisions, fans, and electric lamps into a wall socket."