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alternating current
noun
- an electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, having a magnitude that varies continuously in sinusoidal manner. : ac
alternating current
noun
- a continuous electric current that periodically reverses direction, usually sinusoidally AC Comparedirect current
alternating current
/ ôl′tər-nā′tĭng /
- An electric current that repeatedly changes its direction or strength, usually at a certain frequency or range of frequencies. The term is also used to describe alternating voltages. Power stations generate alternating current because it is easy to raise and lower the voltage of such current using transformers; thus the voltage can be raised very high for transmission (high voltages lose less power as heat than do low voltages), and lowered to safe levels for domestic and industrial use. In North America, the frequency of alternation of the direction of flow is 60 Hz, or 60 cycles per second. In other parts of the world it is 50 Hz.
- Compare direct currentSee Notes at current
alternating current
- An electric current (see also current ) in which the flow reverses periodically. ( Compare direct current (DC) .)
Notes
Word History and Origins
Origin of alternating current1
Example Sentences
Researchers used what is called "transcranial alternating current stimulation" to modulate brain activity.
One of the first West Coast reinforced concrete structures, the steam plant originally powered the Interurban Railway between Seattle and Tacoma and supplied direct current for Seattle streetcars and alternating current for Georgetown.
Once the construction is completed, it will convert 1,250 megawatts of clean energy from direct current to alternating current power that will be fed directly into the state's power grid.
The Boat Time YouTubers have invested in a more efficient inverter, which turns the direct current generated by their solar panels into the alternating current used by the grid.
The transmission line’s direct-current section allows efficient, long-distance electricity transfer with no tie-ins to other power lines, while the alternating current segment is less efficient but connects to the rest of the grid.
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