Representation of AC Current – Class 12 | Chapter – 7 | Physics Short Notes Series PDF for NEET & JEE

Representation of AC Current: Alternating current (AC) is a type of electrical current in which the direction and magnitude of the current changes periodically, typically in a sinusoidal waveform. AC current is used extensively in power transmission and distribution systems, as well as in a wide range of electrical devices and appliances. The frequency of the AC current is measured in Hertz (Hz) and determines how many cycles or complete waveform cycles occur in one second. The standard frequency for AC power systems in most countries is 50 or 60 Hz.

Representation of AC Current

AC (alternating current) current can be represented in several ways, depending on the application and the level of analysis required. Here are some common representations of AC current:

• Sinusoidal waveform: AC current is often represented as a sinusoidal waveform, which shows the magnitude and direction of the current as a function of time. The waveform repeats itself over time, with a period that corresponds to the frequency of the AC voltage. The amplitude of the waveform represents the maximum value of the current, while the phase angle represents the time shift between the current and the voltage.
• Phasor representation: AC current can also be represented using phasors, which are complex numbers that represent the amplitude and phase angle of the current. Phasors are useful for analyzing the behavior of AC circuits, as they simplify the calculation of voltage and current magnitudes and phases, and they allow the use of complex arithmetic to solve circuit equations.
• RMS (root-mean-square) value: AC current can also be represented using its RMS value, which is the equivalent DC current that would produce the same amount of heating in a resistor as the AC current. The RMS value is a measure of the effective value of the current, and it is used for power calculations and safety standards.

• Fourier series: AC current can be represented as a sum of sinusoidal waves of different frequencies and amplitudes, using the Fourier series. The Fourier series decomposition allows the analysis of complex waveforms in terms of simpler components, and it is widely used in signal processing and communication systems.

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By Team Learning Mantras