Question

How can I measure alternating current?

Answer 1

Hint: The Alternating current changes the direction at a periodic interval and the magnitude may or may not change at every instant but the current must alter the direction periodically.

Complete step by step answer:
There are two types of current namely Alternating Current (AC) and direct current (DC). In Alternating Current, the electrons will flow in both directions while in the case of the Direct Current, the electrons will flow in one direction. The transmission of electrical power over long distances can be made more economical by using AC.
The measuring instrument that is used to measure the current in a circuit is called an ammeter and the electric currents are measured in amperes represented by the letter A.
The alternating current can be measured by using the moving iron type ammeter. PMMC instruments can also be used to measure the Alternating current. But while using this, the alternating current has been rectified first, and then it has to be measured.
The moving iron instrument will consist of the soft iron core and can be used for measuring both the Alternating current and the Direct current. In the instrument, the coils made of the conductor are placed between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and thus the movement of the coil gives the measurement.

Note:
1. The unit of current is Ampere.
2. AC is represented by a periodic function. The waveform may be square, triangular, sinusoidal, etc. However, the average value of the pure Alternating current is zero.
3. Generating an Alternating current is more practical than producing the direct current in the generator.