Chapter 28

Summary
A sinusoidal alternating current can be represented by I = I0 sin t, where I0 is the peak value of the current.
The root-mean-square value of an alternating current is that steady current which delivers the same
I0
average power as the a.c. to a resistive load; for a sinusoidal a.c., Irms = .
2
Electrical power is usually transmitted at high voltages; this allows the current to be reduced, and so
resistive losses are less.
Transformers are used to change an alternating voltage. The voltage is stepped up or down in proportion
to the turns ratio of the transformer.
Vs Ns
For a transformer, = . If it is 100% efcient, then VpIp = VsIs.
Vp Np

Diodes are used to convert a.c. to d.c. A single diode gives half-wave rectication. A bridge of four diodes
gives full-wave rectication. A capacitor smoothes the rectied voltage.

AS and A Level Physics Cambridge University Press Study

Summary
skills 1