Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electrical current in which the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, unlike Direct Current (DC) where the flow of charge is in one constant direction.
In the UK, the mains electricity supply is alternating current, typically with a frequency of 50 hertz (Hz), which means it changes direction 50 times per second. The voltage in AC systems also alternates, following a sinusoidal pattern, which allows for efficient transmission over long distances.
Understanding alternating current is essential for GCSE Physics students, as it is used to power homes and industries, making it fundamental to how electricity operates in everyday life.
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