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Alternating Current - Definition, Working Principle, AC Generator
Alternating Current - Definition, Working Principle, AC Generator
Alternating Current - Definition, Working Principle, AC Generator
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Alternating Current
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From the graph, we can see that the charged particles in AC tend to start moving from zero. It increases to a maximum and then decreases back
to zero completing one positive cycle. The particles then reverse their direction and reach the maximum in the opposite direction after which AC
again returns to the original value completing a negative cycle. The same cycle is repeated again and again.
Alternating currents are also accompanied usually by alternating voltages. Besides, alternating current is also easily transformed from a higher
voltage level to a lower voltage level.
In this setup, the AC generator follows Faraday’s principle (https://byjus.com/physics/faradays-law/) of electromagnetic induction where it
converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The neutral wire which is connected to the earth provides a return path for the current in the hot wire.
The third wire that is also connected to the earth is linked to the metallic parts of the equipment to mainly eliminate electric shock hazards.
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AC is used mostly in homes and offices mainly because the generating and transporting of AC across long distances is a lot easier. Meanwhile, AC
can be converted to and from high voltages easily using transformers. AC is also capable of powering electric motors that further convert
electrical energy into mechanical energy. Due to this, AC also finds its use in many large appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and many other
appliances.
The time interval between a definite value of two successive cycles is the period.
The normal waveform of AC in most of the circuits are sinusoidal in nature in which the positive half period corresponds with the positive direction
of the current and vice-versa. In addition, a triangular or square wave can also be used to represent the alternating current waveform.
Audio amplifiers that deal with analogue voice or music signals produce irregular AC waves. Some electronic oscillators produce square or
sawtooth waves.
Average Value of AC
The average value is usually defined as the average of the instantaneous values of alternating current over a complete cycle. The positive half
cycle of asymmetrical waves such as a sinusoidal voltage or current waveform will be equal to the negative half cycle. This implies that the
average value after the completion of a full cycle is equal to zero.
Since both the cycles do some work, the average value is obtained by avoiding the signs. Therefore, the average value of alternating quantities of
sinusoidal waves can be considered by taking the positive cycle only.
Phasor Diagrams
The phasor diagram is used to determine the phase relationships between two or more sine waves propagating with the same frequency. Here, we
use the terms “lead”, “lag” and also “in-phase”, “out-of-phase” to indicate the relation between one waveform with the other.
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In a purely resistive circuit, the power is dissipated by the resistors (https://byjus.com/physics/resistor/) and the phase of both voltage and current
remains the same. This means that the voltage and current reaches a maximum value at the same time.
v = Vmsinωt ……(1)
The instantaneous value of current flowing through the given circuit is,
i = v / R = Vm / R sinωt ……(2)
i = Imsinωt ……(3)
So, by observing the equation (1) and (3), it is clear that there is no phase difference between the applied voltage and current flowing through the
circuit. Meaning, phase angle between voltage and current is zero.
Hence, in a pure resistive ac circuit, the current is in phase with the voltage.
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The inductor will reserves electrical energy in the magnetic field when current flows through it. When this current changes, the time-varying
magnetic field causes emf which opposes the flow of current. This opposition to the flow of current is known as inductive reactance.
v = Vmsinωt ……(1)
E = -L x di / dt
v = -e ……(2)
v = (-L x di / dt)
Or
Vmsinωt = L x di / dt
Or
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di = Vm / L sinω dt ……(3)
Here,
Inductive reactance is XL = ωL
Therefore,
Im = Vm / XL ……(5)
We get,
i = Im sin (ωt – π / 2)
This implies that the current in pure inductive ac circuits lags the voltage by 900.
If the voltage and current are at their peak value as a positive value, the power will also be positive. Similarly, if the voltage and current are at a
negative peak then the power will be negative. This is because of the phase difference between them.
The electric field is developed across the plates of the capacitor when a voltage is applied across the capacitor. Also, there will not be any current
flows between them.
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As we know, a capacitor includes two insulating plates which are separated by a dielectric medium. Usually, a capacitor works as a storage device
and it gets charged if the supply is on and it gets discharged if the supply is off.
v = Vmsinωt ……(1)
q = Cv ……(2)
i = dq / dt
i = d (Cv) / dt ……(3)
I m = Vm / X C
i = Im sin (ωt + π / 2)
This implies that the current flowing through the capacitor leads the voltage by 900.
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It is safer to transfer over longer distances and helps to maintain Cannot be transferred over very long distances. It has a tendency to lose
electric power. electric power.
AC can change its direction during electric flow. It does not change its direction during flow and remains constant.
An alternator is used to generate AC. DC current is generated by generators, photovoltaic cells and batteries.
Electrons keep changing their directions. It can be either backward Electrons move only in the forward direction.
or forward.
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1,409
Alternating Current – Top 10 Most Important & Expected JEE Main Questions
1,948
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Alternating Current Important JEE Main Questions
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1,066
The period of alternating current is the time taken by it to complete one cycle.
The frequency of AC is the number of cycles completed by the alternating current in one second.
A sinusoidal AC can be generated by rotating a coil in a uniform magnetic field at a constant rate.
The RMS value of an AC is the square root of the mean of the squares of the instantaneous values taken over a complete cycle.
The period of alternating current is the time taken by it to complete one cycle.
The mean value of AC is the mean or average of the instantaneous values of AC taken over half a cycle.
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Put your understanding of this concept to test by answering a few MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’ to begin!
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