Definition of alternating current

The direct current has a polarity, or direction, which stays the same over a long period of time. Although the magnitude may vary-the number of amperes, volts, or watts can fluctuate the charge carriers always flow in same direction through circuit.

In the alternating current, the polarity reverses again and again at the regular intervals. The magnitude changes due to this constant reversal of polarity, although there are certain cases where magnitude does not change even though the polarity does.

The rate of change of polarity is third variable which makes alternating current so much different from direct current. The behavior of an alternating current wave depends on the rate of frequency.

Browse keywords or important topics of alternating current below: