AC

Description: Alternating current is a flow of electric charge that periodically changes direction from positive to negative. Alternating current requires an AC Power supply, such as a generator. AC parameters include amplitude and frequency f. While the maximum amplitude is the same in magnitude in both the positive and negative direction, the positive and negative half-waves are distributed evenly over time throughout. The arithmetic mean is therefore zero. The frequency of the AC current is calculated from the reciprocal value of the time that the current needs to run through both the positive and negative parts, known as period T, and is expressed as $f = 1/T$. Alternating current most often takes the form of sinusoidal alternating current, which is also used in electrical engineering applications for large outputs as a polyphase system, in the form of Three-phase current. Like Direct current, alternating current has four important effects: Heat effect - an electrically charged Conductor always heats up. Light effect - electric current causes certain gases (neon, argon, mercury vapour) to light up. Magnetic effect - electric current always generates a magnetic field. Chemical effect - electric current breaks down conductive liquids.