alternating current definition
Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Alternating current. In alternating current, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current, the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. 1. something that flows. 2. specifically, electricity transmitted through a circuit. alternating current a current that periodically flows in opposite directions; its amplitude fluctuates as a sine wave. convection current a current caused by movement by convection of warmer fluid into an area of cooler fluid. Video: Alternating Current: Definition, Advantages & Disadvantages. Alternating current (AC) is easy to generate and use, with numerous advantages over direct current. In this lesson, we'll define AC, discuss its advantages and disadvantages, and provide a quiz. High School Physics: Help and Review / Science Courses. An MRI term for a continuously changing flow of electrons that alternates its polarity at a periodic rate. In the US, the current changes at a frequency of 60 Hz. [kur´ent] 1. something that flows. 2. specifically, electricity transmitted through a circuit. alternating current a current that periodically flows in opposite directions; its amplitude fluctuates as a sine wave. convection current a current caused by movement by convection of warmer fluid into an area of cooler fluid. Defining Alternating Current. Alternating current is simply the movement of electrical charge through a medium that changes direction periodically. This is in contrast with direct current (DC), where the movement of charge is only in one direction and is constant. Electric current that reverses direction (positive-negative polarity) many times each second (with each rotation of the armature of the dynamo generating the current). that which flows; electric transmission in a circuit. alternating current. a current that flows in opposite directions sinusoidally. Editors Contribution(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: alternating current. Is a type of electric current that changes direction periodically during the cycle. Alternating current is a type of electric current used in most household electricity systems in the US and throughout Europe. Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: In alternating current, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current, the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, as when they modify current or voltage. GCIDE(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Alternating current. A current which periodically changes or reverses its direction of flow, especially an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally, as is used for most domestic and industrial power requirements.
A type of electric current that changes direction periodically during the cycle.