Alternating currents (A-level only)
x

What alternating current looks like

What alternating current looks like

Oscilloscope screen with sine wave showing peak value V0, peak-to-peak height 2V0, and one cycle T across grid divisions

Alternating current reverses direction continuously, so its current and voltage vary with time. For a simple generator or mains-like supply, the graph is usually sinusoidal, with a maximum or peak value V0V_0V0​ or I0I_0I0​.

Alternating currents (A-level only) Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Alternating currents (A-level only)