AC Circuit Analysis
There are some key concepts we need to know before the analysis of AC circuits, such as reactance, impedance, phasor diagram, etc. Let’s learn about these concepts in detail as follows:
Reactance and Impedance
Reactance is the resistance offered by various electronic components in an AC Circuit due to its stored energy or capacitance. Reactance is measured in Ohms similar to resistance and is denoted by “X”. Reactance is frequency-dependent and differs for capacitive and inductive components.
Impedance, on the other hand, is a more general term that is used to define the combined effect of both resistance and reactance in an AC circuit. It represents total opposition to the flow of alternating current. Impedance is also measured in ohms and is denoted by the symbol “Z.”
Alternating Current
Alternating Current and Direct Current are the two types of electricity based on the direction of the voltage and current. In households, we use mostly Alternating Current as the grids are designed to provide alternating current only. But in the case of power storage, DC is used. Alternating currents vary with time so does their voltage.
All the appliances in a common household are wired to work with these types of currents and voltage sources. To understand the workings of these devices in real life, it becomes essential to understand the concepts behind alternating current (AC). Let’s look at these concepts in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Alternating Current (AC)?
- Alternating Current Definition
- Alternating Current Voltage Symbol
- AC Generators
- Alternating Current Waveform
- Characteristics of Alternating Current (AC)
- Alternating Current Vs Direct Current
- AC Circuit Analysis
- Ohm’s Law for AC Circuits
- Applications of Alternating Current
- Safety Considerations for Alternating Current
- Sample Problems on Alternating Current