Question

What is meant by the term ‘frequency of an alternating current’? What is its value in India? Why is an alternating current considered to be advantageous over direct current for long range transmission of electric energy?

Answer 1

Hint:In order to answer this question, first we will define the frequency of an alternating current or A.C and then we will also explain an alternating current. Then will mention the value of frequency of an alternating current in India. And then we will discuss the reason for considering an alternating current to be advantageous over direct current for long range transmission of electric energy.

Complete answer:
Frequency of Alternating current is equal to the number of cycles completed in one second.A current that varies its size and polarity at regular intervals is known as alternating current. In other terms, it is an electrical current that changes or reverses its direction on a regular basis, as opposed to Direct Current (DC), which always runs in one direction. A sine wave is a waveform that represents alternating electricity.

The electric cycles are depicted by these curved lines, which are measured in seconds. The Hertz or $Hz$ unit is used to measure alternating current or AC. In 1832, Michael Faraday used a Dynamo Electric Generator to conduct the first test on electric current based on his theories.

In India, frequency of AC is $50Hz$ , i.e. 50 cycles per second.When compared to direct current, alternating current is regarded to be more advantageous for long-distance transmission of electric energy since it can be transmitted over long distances to distant locations with little loss of electric power.

Note:The rate of the back-and-forth oscillation is a more popular measure for characterising the alternating rate of an AC voltage or current wave than period. This is referred to as frequency. The Hertz (abbreviated Hz) is the contemporary unit of frequency, which measures the number of wave cycles completed in one second.