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Direct current (DC) electrical power from a battery has no phase reversal of the electron flow in the electrical circuit. Electrons always flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of the battery in the wires of the circuit.

In alternating current (AC), there is a periodic reversal of the flow of electrons (e.g. current) through the wires of the circuit. 60 Hertz refers to the frequency of that reversal of flow. 60 Hz is equal to 60 cycles per second. So AC current from your wall socket in the United States is reversing directions 60 times each second. The cycling is caused by design of the generators used in the power plants that produce the electricity. The current (polarity) reverses direction 120 times each second. Twice in each cycle on a 60 Hz system. Once to the positive and then once to the negative in one cycle.

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Rachel Erdman

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2y ago
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16y ago

Alternating current is the normal supply used in industry and homes, it means the voltage is varying regularly following what is known as a sinusoidal wave. This is the way electricity is generated at the power station, and in the US it is controlled to run at 60 hertz, that is 60 cycles per second. This rate of cycling depends on the speed of rotation of the generator, if it is 3600 rpm, then we have 60 revs per second which is what determines the ac frequency.

In other countries it is mostly produced at 50 hertz by running the generators at 3000 rpm. This applies in Europe, Australia, and most other countries. Many appliances will operate quite happily on both 60 and 50 hz, but obviously something like a synchronous electric clock will only give the correct time on the frequency it is designed for.

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15y ago

Direct current (DC) electrical power from a battery has no phase reversal of the electron flow in the electrical circuit. Electrons always flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of the battery in the wires of the circuit.

In alternating current (AC), there is a periodic reversal of the flow of electrons (e.g. current) through the wires of the circuit. 60 Hertz refers to the frequency of that reversal of flow. 60 Hz is equal to 60 cycles per second. So AC current from your wall socket in the United States is reversing directions 60 times each second. The cycling is caused by design of the generators used in the power plants that produce the electricity. The current (polarity) reverses direction 120 times each second. Twice in each cycle on a 60 Hz system. Once to the positive and then once to the negative in one cycle.

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14y ago

60 Hertz Alternating Current means there is electricity available between at least two connections, or one connection and a plane -- that is continuously changing from a positive to a negative state at a rate of 120 transitions per second.

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14y ago

It can have any frequency, up to maybe 100 GHz ... the highest frequency that we can presently

build a circuit to generate.

In North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, and a few other countries, the commercial utility power ...

the power you get out of the wall outlet to run your household appliances ... is 60 Hz AC.

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15y ago

it means 50 cycle per second or 60 cycle per second change of pole 50 or 60 times per second

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13y ago

It is an alternating current that switches its polarity 60 times in a second. 60 Hertz is the frequency that electricity is generated in the U.S.

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Q: What does 60hz alternating current do?
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Which is better for transmission alternating current and direct current?

Alternating current is better than direct current for transmission.


What current flows in one direction then the opposite direction?

AC, Alternating Current.


How can you differentiate DC and ac?

DC is direct current. It is characterized as a voltage or current that is constant or, more precisely, always in one direction. A battery is an example of a DC source. AC is alternating current. It is characterized as a voltage or current that is alternating, i.e. changing direction at some frequency such as 50Hz or 60Hz. The power supplied to your home from the public power utility is an example of an AC source. ac is attractive in nature while dc is repulsive .


Lightning carries Alternating current or Direct Current?

Power lines carry electricity as alternating current.


Current in which electrons flow in the same direction is called?

It's alternating current

Related questions

What does AC mean about current flow?

AC means Alternating Current. Alternating Current changes direction constantly, usually at 60Hz (US, Canada, and others) or 50Hz (UK and others).


What is the frequency of the alternating voltage and current typically used in the united states?

115 vac 60hz


Can you use a 220v-60hz microwave in Australia?

Yes, using a 220v-60hz microwave in Australia is fine. The voltage of alternating current supplied to homes in Australia is 220v. The frequency of the voltage is 50hz.


Why the foreign country's using 60Hz frequency in alternating current?

equipments designed in that countries can withstand frequency upto 60 HZ.


What does 60Hz 120V electricity mean?

60Hz 120V electricity refers to the standard electrical system used in the United States and some other countries. The 60Hz refers to the frequency of the alternating current (AC) in cycles per second, while the 120V represents the voltage of the electricity supplied to most residential and commercial buildings.


What is an electric current that periodically changes direction?

An electric current that periodically changes direction is called an alternating current (AC). In AC circuits, the flow of electric charge reverses direction many times per second, typically at a frequency of either 50 or 60 Hz. This is in contrast to a direct current (DC) in which the flow of electric charge remains constant in one direction.


What is alternating current machine?

"What is alternating current machine?"


What is a graphical representation of alternating current?

The symbol for alternating current is: ~


Does vac stand for volt amp current or volt alternating current?

Vac usually stands for voltage alternating current. It represents the voltage of an alternating current electrical system.


Is your house alternating or direct current?

Alternating current. Direct current is used in batteries.


What is Alternating current is measured in?

Alternating current is measured in amperes (A) for electric current, volts (V) for voltage, and hertz (Hz) for frequency.


Which is better for transmission alternating current and direct current?

Alternating current is better than direct current for transmission.