answersLogoWhite

0

Why ac current frequency is 50hz?

Updated: 8/11/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Best Answer

The generation of AC currents and relationship to frequency has to do with the speed of the unit that is turning the generator (prime mover).

The formula for frequency is f = Number of revolutions per minute of the engine (N) x Number of magnetic poles (P) / 120

Speed the prime mover up for a higher frequency, slow the prime mover down for a lower frequency. This is why the generator has to be wound for the voltage that it is going to produce and the frequency that it is to operate on.

This has probably got to do with Iron.

Most Transformers consist of large amounts of iron that need time in order to change polarity of a magnetic field.

Faster frequency would make the transformer less efficient. The iron would not manage to become fully magnetized. Slower frequency would make the transformer need more iron, hence becoming heavier. If the size of the iron core were the same and we just lowered the frequency, then as soon as the magnetic field is buildt up, then the rest of the energy until next half wave will be transferred into heat.

It is simply a trade off between efficiency and practicality.

Today's high speed transformers operate at speeds between 20-80 Khz and is only doable due to a special core material of powdered iron that is much easier to magnetize.

Electricity in the early days was DC only. However, some decisions were made to use AC because DC is, at high voltages, very dangerous to humans, something that was demonstrated during the first few 'victims' of the electric chair that in the beginning operated at DC current only.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why ac current frequency is 50hz?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the frequency of ac in Egypt?

220v 50Hz


How many hertz in direct current?

Direct current has no frequency, it has voltage. also it has current that is measured in Amperes which is dependable of the resistance of the circuit. Alternating current has frequency because the electricity flows alternatively on both directions. If the frequency of AC is 50hz/s it means that the electricity flows forwards and backwards 50 times per second.


What is the meaning of 230V ac and 50Hz ac supply?

It is an AC supply with an rms voltage of 230 v and a frequency of 50 Hz, as used throughout Europe.


What is observed when the steady current in moving iron ammeter is replaced by an alternating current of frequency 50Hz?

No difference will be noted.


What is frequency of Ac in EgyBt?

frequency of AC current in egyptis 50 c/s


How can you block ac current?

You can block AC current by using a filter with a pass-band that is outside the frequency of the AC current.


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).


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 .


Do strobe lights use ac or dc current to flash?

Strobe lights use ac or alternating current to flash. The frequency of 50 Hz is alternating current's frequency, coming in handy for its flashing.


Why you can not transmit AC through wireless communication?

because AC(alternating current) either uses 50Hz/60Hz.and for such a low frequency anteena at Recieving end becomes of infinite length Or say uncontroleable.if so we can use modulation technique,can use carrier of high frequency which will definitly reduces anteena size then why this way of transmitting electricity has adopted yet?


What is the Frequency Supply in UAE?

Supply Frequency in UAE is 50Hz


What is the difference between current (DC) and alternating current (AC)?

ac comes directly from the power socket, and DC is battery source. Answer2: The frequency is the difference, AC has frequency f>0 and DC does not f=0.