Ac Electricity Basics

The basics of three phase electricity explained.

Ac electricity basics. While the flow of electrons through a wire in direct current dc electricity is continuous in one direction the current in ac electricity alternates in direction. Ohm s law is the basic formula used in all ac and dc electrical circuits. So if you know two of the three characteristics your can calculate the third one. Namely electric charge electric current and electric circuit.

Electric charge refers to a fundamental property of matter that even physicists don t totally understand. Suffice it to say that two of the tiny particles that make up atoms protons and electrons are the bearers of electric charge. Why should you understand electricity current and amperes potential difference and volts relationship between potential difference and current sources of potential difference concept of resistance ohms law dc and ac current why. In this video we learn how three phase electricity works from the basics.

Either as a voltage switching polarity or as a current switching direction back and forth this kind of electricity is known as alternating current ac. Alternating current shown above is single phase which means that it has only one source but you can add together alternating current from other sources sending it all on the same. Alternating current is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences and it is the form of electrical energy that consumers typically use when they plug kitchen. Dc is current that flows in one direction with a constant voltage polarity while ac is current that changes direction periodically along with its voltage polarity.

Electrical designers use it to determine how much voltage is required for a certain load like a motor a computer or even a house full of appliances. Basic electricity including electrical definitions ohm s law and electrical circuit information including direct and alternating current. Direct and alternating current. This flow of electrical charge is referred to as electric current.

We start with a simple single phas. At 0 degrees the voltage is at 0 volts and starts to rise to a peak voltage of 170 volts at 90 degrees. Alternating current ac is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to direct current dc which flows only in one direction. Please scroll down and start reading.

There are two types of current direct current dc and alternating current ac. Any rotating motion as created by steam turbines hydropower wind etc can be converted into electric power using a dynamo dc power or alternator ac power. But what is electricity really. Educational resource on electrical engineering.

Let s start with three very basic concepts of electricity.