What exactly is AC?
Alternating current (AC) is an electric current whose instantaneous value periodically reverses sign and follows a repetitive cycle [Britannica] [Elektroda, Freddy, post #18637591]
What do the terms AC and DC mean?
The terms AC and DC refer to electric current. Indirectly, also tensions.
DC - direct current - means direct current. In theory, it is a power supply whose parameters are constant over time. Most often we say that about all sources that give a constant voltage. However, no one can guarantee that the output voltage, e.g. from the power supply, will be e.g. 12.13454V all the time. It can fluctuate or slightly change under the influence of the current consumption and the ambient temperature. In addition, the voltage coming from the power supply may have some ripples resulting from imperfect filtration (e.g. unstabilized power supply and also impulse power supply). It may turn out that the supply voltage is variable (to an extent not important from the point of view of the receiver).
Therefore, the "utility" definition of direct current is a bit broader - it is required not to change its direction. That is why we can name the voltage at the terminals of e.g. a battery, which is first 14.4V, and then slowly decreases due to discharge. Direct current can also be called a power supply from a DC generator driven by a wind turbine, the output voltage of which varies, for example, from 4V to 11V, depending on the current strength of the wind. A photovoltaic panel can be a similar DC source.
AC - alternating current - means alternating current, and more often periodic alternating current, it is one whose value changes in an intended and deterministic manner, i.e. sinusoidal. However, two subgroups can be distinguished here:
- alternating current, i.e. one whose value changes but does not change its direction (does not cross zero)
- alternating current, i.e. a variable whose value changes the sign (passes through zero)
In the Anglo-Saxon literature, the term AC is used to denote the latter type of current, i.e. alternating current. Alternating current can be called all non-zero waveforms that contain ripple or other distortions - that is, what I classified above as DC, because we look at what these waveforms should be intended for. It is difficult to set an unambiguous border, therefore a certain, customary classification has been adopted here. Mains supply 230V 50Hz belongs to AC. The AC supply allows the operation of e.g. induction motors or transformers.
"Author: Michał Kurzela / Futrzaczek"
"Correction: stabilizer"
DC - direct current - means direct current. In theory, it is a power supply whose parameters are constant over time. Most often we say that about all sources that give a constant voltage. However, no one can guarantee that the output voltage, e.g. from the power supply, will be e.g. 12.13454V all the time. It can fluctuate or slightly change under the influence of the current consumption and the ambient temperature. In addition, the voltage coming from the power supply may have some ripples resulting from imperfect filtration (e.g. unstabilized power supply and also impulse power supply). It may turn out that the supply voltage is variable (to an extent not important from the point of view of the receiver).
Therefore, the "utility" definition of direct current is a bit broader - it is required not to change its direction. That is why we can name the voltage at the terminals of e.g. a battery, which is first 14.4V, and then slowly decreases due to discharge. Direct current can also be called a power supply from a DC generator driven by a wind turbine, the output voltage of which varies, for example, from 4V to 11V, depending on the current strength of the wind. A photovoltaic panel can be a similar DC source.
AC - alternating current - means alternating current, and more often periodic alternating current, it is one whose value changes in an intended and deterministic manner, i.e. sinusoidal. However, two subgroups can be distinguished here:
- alternating current, i.e. one whose value changes but does not change its direction (does not cross zero)
- alternating current, i.e. a variable whose value changes the sign (passes through zero)
In the Anglo-Saxon literature, the term AC is used to denote the latter type of current, i.e. alternating current. Alternating current can be called all non-zero waveforms that contain ripple or other distortions - that is, what I classified above as DC, because we look at what these waveforms should be intended for. It is difficult to set an unambiguous border, therefore a certain, customary classification has been adopted here. Mains supply 230V 50Hz belongs to AC. The AC supply allows the operation of e.g. induction motors or transformers.
"Author: Michał Kurzela / Futrzaczek"
"Correction: stabilizer"
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Comments
Lots of inaccuracies. In my opinion, the text should be redrafted after consultation. [Read more]
Then please show these inaccuracies. ;) [Read more]
The text (in my opinion) translated with a translator with a slight Author's correction - instead of writing (or rather pasting the translation) it would be better to paste the link to the origina... [Read more]
I think so too. E.g.: [Read more]
The second is: - AC, i.e. alternating current means (ignoring that it was alternate current) alternating current. :) the third is: - alternating current is current periodically changing in which... [Read more]
Delving into seemingly simple issues often leads to a surprising discussion. The topics in the guide section are open and this gives the opportunity to jointly expand the content by people with practical... [Read more]
So, Dear Editor, we have permission for further comments. 14.4 V could be the voltage on the acid battery during charging. The voltage of such a fully charged battery is approximately 12.7 volts. [Read more]
I think that there is no permission or prohibition here, this is an open topic and everyone can express their opinion on the forum, but from my point of view it is worth sticking to the original topic... [Read more]
You are wrong - alternating current is current periodically changeable. Definition from a high school textbook [Read more]
Of course, you are right. According to definition: Alternating current - electric current for which the value of the intensity changes over time by any means . So not deterministically - quite... [Read more]
English AC is alternating current only and exclusively. Not generally "fickle". Only commutative, that is, + and - alternating. [Read more]
Wechselspannung in German - also. [Read more]
In fact, an alternate will fit better here, I change, thanks. [Read more]
AC is an idiomatic phrase meaning both alternating voltage and current. It is an accepted international term. Voltage 230V AC. Current 10A AC Some used it thoughtlessly and it came out of stupidity. ... [Read more]
Źródło Encyclopedia Britanica [Read more]
Texts in another language are not translated. Translations are done. Lest it turn out that I ate a "hot dog". [Read more]
But that is already a term for tension. The term Wechselstrom is used on a daily basis. [Read more]
But the most important thing is that it is commutative, not variable. [Read more]
So what does AC / DC mean? AC / DC can mean a device that converts alternating current to direct current. It can be a power supply, it can be a converter, although in this case the processes of changing... [Read more]