Which term describes an electrical current that reverses direction?

Which term describes an electrical current that reverses direction?

• A. Alternating current (AC)
• B. Alternator
• C. Ammeter
• D. Capacitor

Answer: (A)

Current that reverses direction is called alternating current. It continually changes direction, flowing back and forth in a cycle, typically described by a sine-wave waveform. This reversal happens at a regular rate, known as the frequency (often 50 or 60 cycles per second in power systems). Because of this back-and-forth flow, the instantaneous direction and magnitude of the current vary with time, unlike direct current which keeps a single direction. An alternator is a device that generates alternating current, so it relates to AC production but is not the term for the current itself. An ammeter measures the amount of current, and a capacitor stores and releases charge, influencing current in a circuit but not describing a reversing-direction current.

Current that reverses direction is called alternating current. It continually changes direction, flowing back and forth in a cycle, typically described by a sine-wave waveform. This reversal happens at a regular rate, known as the frequency (often 50 or 60 cycles per second in power systems). Because of this back-and-forth flow, the instantaneous direction and magnitude of the current vary with time, unlike direct current which keeps a single direction. An alternator is a device that generates alternating current, so it relates to AC production but is not the term for the current itself. An ammeter measures the amount of current, and a capacitor stores and releases charge, influencing current in a circuit but not describing a reversing-direction current.