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If an AC reverses direction 60 Hz then why are there different-sized receptacle slots for hot and neutral since v and i are alternating direction each half cycle?
It has been stated that: "AC outlets have polarity specific outlets because some devices can be ruined if the device is plugged in backwards." Although this might be true in some sense, the most important reason is enhanced user safety. This is a very good question; one that deserves a good answer. It is true that most household "alternating current" devices may work with a reversible (two-prong) plug inserted either way. It simply doesn't matter which way the current is going at any given moment. Many devices still have two identical prongs. The "polarized" plug is for extra user safety (and a three-prong plug is even safer, see below). Two-prong devices may be eventually phased out of production in many countries. AC outlets have polarity-specific sockets because some devices can easily become dangerous if the polarized device is plugged in backwards. This happens when the switch or fuse inside the appliance is designed to disconnect only the "hot" and not the "neutral" wire when the device is switched off because it is cheaper than switches that disconnect both wires. The "neutral" wire is typically connected to ground at the main panel, so it is safer to use the switch to open the "hot" wire. Also, in lamps (and light fixtures), the neutral should be connected to the lamp shell for added safety, and this could also become dangerous if reversed; the socket shell could still be "hot" even when the switch is off (and the light is out). Without a polarized plug, you can't tell which wire the switch will disconnect and may receive a shocking surprise! In theory, safe devices are designed to keep a user from touching either the hot or the neutral. In practice, if designers know which wires will be "hot" inside the device, they can take extra precautions to make sure they cannot break apart and electrify anything a user can touch. A broken "hot" wire can electrocute a user if he/she touches the metal enclosure and the user "completes" the circuit to ground. Therefore, many appliances now have a polarized plug so the switch always disconnects the "hot" circuit and extra attention is placed on safe disconnection and insulation of that conductor throughout the device. A so-called "double-insulated" (IEC Class II) device may have a non-polarized plug because the same safe design has been made for BOTH conductors, regardless of which one may be "hot", and without relying upon a third prong for safety ground of the enclosure. No single internal fault would be likely to cause an electrocution hazard. Furthermore, even with a polarized plug, a single internal fault can be deadly in an ordinary appliance. The third prong (ground) can save your life if there is an internal fault of the hot touching exposed metal, and a GFCI can save your life if there is an internal fault of the neutral to exposed metal (where you could otherwise become the missing "neutral" connection to ground as you are electrocuted).
What else can I help you with?
Is alternating current a current type where electricity flows in the positive direction only?
No, alternating current (AC) is a type of current in which the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. It continuously changes magnitude and direction in a waveform pattern, unlike direct current (DC) which flows consistently in one direction.
What direction does current flown an ac circuit?
In an AC circuit, the direction of current alternates back and forth periodically. This means that the current flows in one direction for a period of time and then reverses its direction, completing one cycle. This back-and-forth movement of current is what allows electrical devices to operate consistently and efficiently.
What direction does direct current flow in?
Curren flow from high potential to low potential or simply, positive pole to negetive pole.
When the earth ocassionally reverses direction is called what motion?
The earth never reverses direction, nor does any other planet. The APPARENT reversal of direction of some other planets, as seen from earth, is called retrograde motion.
What is two way current called?
Two-way current is called alternating current (AC). In AC, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, unlike direct current (DC) where the flow of electric charge remains in one direction.
When current in a circuit reverses its direction in a regular pattern it is called?
An "Alternating Current" (AC).
When current in a circuit reverses its direction in a regular pattern?
This description could be classed as Alternating Current.
An electric current that reverses its direction of flow at regular intervals 2 words?
Alternating current
Current that reverses direction in the regular pattern is called?
This is known as a direct current or DC. The two major types of currents are AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). In AC the charges move back and forth, but in DC the charges flow in JUST ONE DIRECTION. Due to this characteristic it will not reverse direction like AC can.
What is meant by negative half-cycle of an alternating current?
Alternating current varies in magnitude, and reverses direction every half-cycle. When the current is drifting in one direction we allocate it a 'positive' direction; when it reverses direction we allocate it a 'negative' direction. So the positive half-cycle refers to its variation in current during its forward or positive direction and the negative half-cycle refers to its variation in current during its reverse or negative direction.
What do you call electricity that flows in two directions?
It is called alternating current (AC) where the flow of electricity reverses direction periodically.
What does AC stand for in electrical terms?
AC stands for alternating current in electrical terms. It is a type of electric current that periodically reverses direction, unlike direct current (DC) which flows in a constant direction.
What is the name of the current which reverses direction every half turn?
The current you are referring to is called an alternating current (AC). It changes direction periodically to allow for efficient transfer of electricity in power distribution systems.
What is the purpose of a rectifier?
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction.
When flow can reverse its direction regularly it is called?
Alternating Current (AC) reverses its flow constantly, unlike DC (constant current) which flows in one direction only.
The expression alternating current refers to which form of energy?
Alternating current is a flow of electrical energy in which the direction of electron flow reverses periodically. The mains electricity in your house is likely Alternating Current. The other form is Direct Current, where the direction of electron flow is in one direction only. Such as the flow from the batteries in your flashlight.
What is the role of split rings in electric motors?
Split rings keep the current flowing in the same direction or the motor turning in the same direction when using alternating current which reverses direction in its cycle..
