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GCSE Physics · key term
A current that repeatedly reverses direction.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.6.2.3 · Paper 2
Revise: Properties of electromagnetic waves 2An alternating current repeatedly changes direction. Charges in a circuit carrying a high-frequency alternating current therefore oscillate. In a transmitting aerial, this oscillation produces radio waves.
Specification 5.23, 10.35, 10.36, 10.37, 13.5 · Paper 1, Paper 2
A current that repeatedly changes magnitude and direction.
For radio reception, state that an absorbed radio wave may induce an alternating current with the same frequency as the wave (HT only).
Describe a.c. using the movement of charge: it repeatedly changes direction. Do not merely say that the current “changes”.
Do not confuse alternating current with a current that switches on and off while continuing in one direction.
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An alternating current therefore makes electrons move to and fro rather than continuing in only one direction.
An electric current in which the movement of charge repeatedly changes direction.
An electrical supply in which the direction of charge flow repeatedly reverses.
A current whose direction repeatedly reverses.
A current that repeatedly changes direction.
Specification P4.2f, P4.2g, P4.2j, P5.2j, P8.2g · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
Current that repeatedly reverses direction.
Revise: Alternators and dynamosWhen a circuit is connected, its current repeatedly reverses direction: this is alternating current (a.c.).
A current that repeatedly changes direction.
An electric current that repeatedly reverses direction.
An electric current that repeatedly reverses direction because the potential difference across the supply alternates.
Paper 1, Paper 2
Current that repeatedly reverses direction.
Revise: Alternators and DynamosIn a complete circuit, the current also reverses direction: this is alternating current (a.c.). The height of the trace varies because the rate at which the magnetic field through the coil changes varies as the generator turns.