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What is the main advantage of using alternating current in the power grid?
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Low loss transmission of power at high voltages for long distances then the ability to transform down to lower voltages near the point of usage, i.e. substations and pole Transformers near residences.
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
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Where would you get alternating current?
You can manufacture your own alternating current, using an oscillator and amplifier capable of outputting significant power. But it's a lot easier to just get it from one of the electrical outlets in your house, since that's what the utility company generates and distributes.
Why is alternating current low voltage?
Alternating current is not necessairly low voltage, on the controrary AC is more oftenly used for when high voltage is needed. Most power distribution systems (extremely high voltages) use AC because AC is easier to transform to high voltages (using the aptly named transformer). High voltage is needed for power distribution to decreases losses due to transmission.
How do you measure alternative current using ac ammeter?
I think you mean 'alternating' current ('alternative' means choice). The ammeter must be inserted in series with the load, just as with direct current.
What is an electrical power inverter?
The most usual type of electrical power inverter is an electronic device which converts a direct current supply - often at a low voltage such as 12 or 24 volts as is used in a vehicle - to a higher voltage alternating current such as 120 or 240 volts which can be used to supply power to a household electrical appliance. Inverters do what the name implies: they invert one type of power source to another type such as from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). In addition inverters can be used to convert a power source to a different level [VOLTAGE]. No matter what type is involved, because no inverter'e efficiency can ever be near to 100%, there will always be some loss of energy from the power that is supplied to the input to the power that is available at the output, but that is a small price to pay for the convenience of using an inverter.
Can alternating current be switched using normally open switch relays?
Yes. In fact, induction motor 'starters' work using normally-open relays, controlled by low-current control circuits -although we call these heavy-duty relays 'contactors'.
How are alternating and direct currents used in everyday life?
When you plug something into the wall socket at home, (mains power) you are using alternating current, when you use something powered by a battery, you are using direct current.
What is the main's source of electricity?
Mains refer to the general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power supply. In the UK, households receive 230v of electricity for normal house hold use at a frequency of 50Hz. The advantage attached with the use of alternating current is the ease with which it can be stepped up or down to suit the purpose using a transformer.
Will magnets lose it's power by rubbing?
You can destroy the magnetism of a magnet by hammering ,heating or using a alternating current method.
Where would you get alternating current?
You can manufacture your own alternating current, using an oscillator and amplifier capable of outputting significant power. But it's a lot easier to just get it from one of the electrical outlets in your house, since that's what the utility company generates and distributes.
How does ac dc power supplies work?
The mains to the house is an alternating current and this high voltage is stepped down using a transformer. The low voltage secondary alternating current is converted to direct current using 4 diodes wired as a bridge rectifier. The 'lumpy' direct current is smoothed using an electrolytic capacitor to smooth the resulting dc. It may need to be voltage regulated if the circuits it feeds are voltage sensitive.
Reasons for using AC instead of DC?
Alternating Current can be transmitted efficiently at high voltagesbut low currents, for a given power, since at its simplest, Power in Watts = Current X Volts. This minimises heating losses (proportional to resistance-squared) in the cables. Alternating-current Voltage is also easily stepped up or down by a transformer, not possible with D.C.
How does direct current differ from alternating current?
In your home, the power outlets provide "Alternating Current", and in your car, the battery provides "Direct Current". The difference between "Alternating Current" and "Direct Current" is the changing relationship in reference to time. The battery in your car is a "Direct Current Power Source", with electrons that travel from the negative terminal of the battery, through some device such as a Radio, Lamp, etc., and follows the return path back to the positive side of the battery terminal. This is "Electron Flow Theory", commonly used to explain how electrical currents flow. In the United States, the electrical wall outlets in your home, will provide power for your Toaster, Coffee Maker, Stereo, Big Screen TV, etc., using current that changes directions, back and forth, 60-times per second, and is referred to as "Alternating Current".
Can alternative current be turned into direct current?
By "alternative" I presume you mean "alternating". Yes it can by using a device called a rectifier then some sort of bypass circuit to conduct the alternating current to ground, usually just a capacitor.
What converts an alternating current to diredt current?
Alternating Current can be converted to Direct Current by using a DC Converter which contain a Bridge Circuit , a Capacitor and if needed a Transformer.CommentA 'DC converter' is normally called a rectifier.
What problems did Thomas Edison encounter after he invented the electric light bulb?
He needed to have a constant flow of electrical energy to power it and he was going to use direct current, and that would require to have a power generator every mile to keep up the voltage; thankfully Nikola Tesla proposed the concept of alternating current, which is many times more efficient than using direct current.
What are the advantage and disadvantages of using directive?
One advantage of using direct current (DC) is its simplicity, which makes it ideal for use in vehicles to give power to engine ignition and management modules, interior and exterior lights, horn, etc. Another advantage of using DC is that a relatively small rechargeable battery can be used on-board the vehicle to store electricity to power the engine's starter motor to get the engine turning again after it has been switched off. There are serious disadvantages in using DC for many other applications - such as supplying power to homes, offices, factories, etc. - because DC cannot be easily transformed up or down in voltage (and, correspondingly, either down or up in current). Alternating current (AC) is very much easier to use instead of DC where the ability to transform voltage and current is essential, such as for the distribution of the power produced by generating stations out to consumers using a National Grid and for producing the low voltages used by the chargers needed by small appliances such as electric shavers, mobile phones, mp3 players, etc.
Why is alternating current low voltage?
Alternating current is not necessairly low voltage, on the controrary AC is more oftenly used for when high voltage is needed. Most power distribution systems (extremely high voltages) use AC because AC is easier to transform to high voltages (using the aptly named transformer). High voltage is needed for power distribution to decreases losses due to transmission.
