alternating current
What alternating current means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of alternating current
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Reference: AQA
A supply in which the potential difference repeatedly reverses, so charges in the wire move backwards and forwards rather than drifting one way.
A current in an aerial that means electrons move backwards and forwards along the metal many times a second.
Topics that use alternating current
- Direct and alternating potential difference (AQA GCSE)
- Properties of electromagnetic waves 2 (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- 230 V supply
- absorption by an aerial
- aerial
- alternating potential difference
- correlation and causation
- earth wire
- electron energy changes
- highly penetrating
Using alternating current in the exam
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