ALTERNATING CURRENT

By reference to heating effect, explain what is meant by the root mean square (r.m.s) value of an
alternating current.

the direct current

that produces same heating effect (as the ac)

What is meant by smoothing

voltage does not fall to zero

State the effect, if any, on magnitude of the ripple

1. a capacitor of large capacitance is used

ripple decreases
2. the resistor has a small resistance
ripple increases

Effect on mean power dissipation in resistor when the capacitor is connected between terminals

capacitor supplies energy to resistor

so (mean) power increases

The mean value of an alternating current is zero

explain why heating occurs when there is an alternating current in a resistor

heating depends upon on current (square)

and current is always positive

Transmission of electrical energy is frequently achieved using ac high voltages

a) why high voltages are used

for same power (transmission, higher voltage) = lower current
lower current =less power in cables
b) why the voltage is alternating
voltage can be easily stepped up/down
transformer only works with ac

A capacitor with a large capacitance is connected across the terminals of the supply

Explain why this may lead to a large current from the supply

large amount of charge required to charge capacitor

capacitor would charge and discharge in a very short time

I = Q/t, so large current