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AC Theory: Key Concepts and Applications

Chapter 14 covers Alternating Current (AC), which periodically changes direction and magnitude, described by a sinusoidal wave. It discusses key concepts such as peak, RMS, and average values, as well as the behavior of AC in resistors, inductors, and capacitors, including resonance in RLC circuits. The chapter also highlights the advantages of AC over DC and includes important diagrams and graphs related to AC systems.

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8 views2 pages

AC Theory: Key Concepts and Applications

Chapter 14 covers Alternating Current (AC), which periodically changes direction and magnitude, described by a sinusoidal wave. It discusses key concepts such as peak, RMS, and average values, as well as the behavior of AC in resistors, inductors, and capacitors, including resonance in RLC circuits. The chapter also highlights the advantages of AC over DC and includes important diagrams and graphs related to AC systems.

Uploaded by

naimau94
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

2nd Year Physics - Chapter 14:

Alternating Current
1. What is Alternating Current (AC)?
AC is a current that changes direction and magnitude periodically.
It follows a sinusoidal wave: I(t) = I0 sin(omega t)
- I0: Peak Current
- omega = 2πf: Angular frequency
- t: Time

2. Peak, RMS, and Average Values


Peak Value: I0 or V0 (Maximum value of current or voltage)
RMS Value: Irms = I0 / sqrt(2) ; Vrms = V0 / sqrt(2)
Average Value (half cycle): Iavg = (2I0) / pi

3. AC in Pure Resistor
Current and voltage are in phase.
Power: P = I^2 R = V^2 / R

4. AC in Pure Inductor
Current lags voltage by 90 degrees.
Reactance: XL = omega L = 2πfL

5. AC in Pure Capacitor
Current leads voltage by 90 degrees.
Reactance: XC = 1 / (omega C) = 1 / (2πfC)

6. AC in L-R-C Series Circuit


Impedance: Z = sqrt(R^2 + (XL - XC)^2)
Phase angle: tan(phi) = (XL - XC) / R
Current: I = V / Z

7. Resonance in RLC Circuit


Occurs when XL = XC
Z = R, Current is maximum, Power factor = 1

8. Power in AC Circuit
Instantaneous Power: P = V0 I0 sin(omega t) sin(omega t + phi)
Average Power: P = Vrms * Irms * cos(phi)
Power Factor: cos(phi)
9. Transformer
Used to step-up or step-down AC voltage (Mutual Induction).
Vs/Vp = Ns/Np ; Is/Ip = Np/Ns
Efficiency = (Pout / Pin) * 100%

10. AC Generator
Converts mechanical energy to AC electrical energy.
Emf: E = E0 sin(omega t)

11. Advantages of AC over DC


- Easy voltage transformation
- Less power loss in transmission
- More efficient for long distances
- Cheaper generators

12. Important Graphs & Diagrams


- AC waveform (sinusoidal)
- Phase diagrams for R, L, C
- Resonance curve
- Transformer (labeled)
- AC Generator diagram

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