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  2. Alternating current - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternating_current

    Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time, in contrast to direct current (DC), which flows only in one direction. Alternating current is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences, and it is the form of electrical energy ...

  3. Electric current - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_current

    The conventional symbol for current is I, which originates from the French phrase intensité du courant, (current intensity). [11] [12] Current intensity is often referred to simply as current. [13] The I symbol was used by André-Marie Ampère, after whom the unit of electric current is named, in formulating Ampère's force law (1820). [14]

  4. AC power - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power

    In a simple alternating current (AC) circuit consisting of a source and a linear time-invariant load, both the current and voltage are sinusoidal at the same frequency. [3] If the load is purely resistive, the two quantities reverse their polarity at the same time. Hence, the instantaneous power, given by the product of voltage and current, is ...

  5. Direct current - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current

    Direct current (DC) is one-directional flow of electric charge. An electrochemical cell is a prime example of DC power. Direct current may flow through a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through semiconductors, insulators, or even through a vacuum as in electron or ion beams. The electric current flows in a constant direction ...

  6. Three-phase electric power - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-phase_electric_power

    Three-phase transformer with four-wire output for 208Y/120 volt service: one wire for neutral, others for A, B and C phases. Three-phase electric power (abbreviated 3ϕ[1]) is a common type of alternating current (AC) used in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. [2] It is a type of polyphase system employing three wires (or ...

  7. TRIAC - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIAC

    Active. Pin configuration. Terminal1, gate and Terminal2. Electronic symbol. A TRIAC (triode for alternating current; also bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor[1]) is a three-terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered. The term TRIAC is a genericised trademark.

  8. Polarity symbols - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarity_symbols

    Polarity symbols are a notation for electrical polarity, found on devices that use direct current (DC) power, when this is or may be provided from an alternating current (AC) source via an AC adapter. The adapter typically supplies power to the device through a thin electrical cord which terminates in a coaxial power connector often referred to ...

  9. Volt-ampere - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volt-ampere

    The volt-ampere (SI symbol: VA, [1] sometimes V⋅A or V A) is the unit of measurement for apparent power in an electrical circuit. It is the product of the root mean square voltage (in volts) and the root mean square current (in amperes). [2] Volt-amperes are usually used for analyzing alternating current (AC) circuits.