Alternating current
Alternating Current
Alternating current (AC) is a type of electrical current in which the direction of the flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or cycles. Current, or flow of electric charge, periodically reverses direction.
Pronunciation
/ˈɔːltəneɪtɪŋ ˈkʌrənt/
Etymology
The term "alternating current" is derived from the English words "alternate," which means to switch back and forth, and "current," referring to the flow of electricity.
Description
In an AC system, voltage and current waveforms are typically sinusoidal, being the most efficient form for power transmission. It was originally developed by Tesla and Westinghouse for the purpose of transmitting electricity over long distances.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The main advantage of AC over DC is that it is safer to transfer over longer distances and can provide more power. However, it is also more dangerous because it can cause harmful electrical shocks.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alternating current
- Wikipedia's article - Alternating current
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