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Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis

Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to direct current (DC) which flows only in one direction. 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 appliances, televisions, fans and electric lamps into a wall socket. A common source of DC power is a battery cell in a flashlight. The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, as when they modify current or voltage.

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Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to direct current (DC) which flows only in one direction. 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 appliances, televisions, fans and electric lamps into a wall socket. A common source of DC power is a battery cell in a flashlight. The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, as when they modify current or voltage.

The usual waveform of alternating current in most electric power circuits is a sine wave, whose positive half-period corresponds with positive direction of the current and vice versa. In certain applications, like guitar amplifiers, different waveforms are used, such as triangular waves or square waves. Audio and radio signals carried on electrical wires are also examples of alternating current. These types of alternating current carry information such as sound (audio) or images (video) sometimes carried by modulation of an AC carrier signal. These currents typically alternate at higher frequencies than those used in power transmission.

This course deals specifically with sinusoidal waveforms and will provide the student with the basic understanding of working with circuits involving Alternating Current, which includes sinusoidal waveforms, vectors & phasors, reactance & impedance of R,L,C circuits, as they relate to the basic laws and theorems of electricity. This includes working with AC Power, Power Factor, Resonance, Complex Numbers, Reactance and Impedance

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Provides a strong foundation for understanding basic AC circuits, including R,L,C and sinusoidal waveforms
Teaches practical application of Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and AC circuit analysis
Introduces concepts of impedance, reactance, and power factor, which are essential for understanding AC circuits
Provides a combination of theoretical explanations and hands-on examples, enhancing understanding of AC circuits
Can be beneficial for students pursuing electrical engineering or related fields
May require some prior knowledge in basic electricity and circuit theory

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis with these activities:
Read AC Electrical Circuits by Polyphase
This book provides helpful examples and illustrations that can help to reinforce class lectures.
Show steps
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
  • Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.
  • Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Watch YouTube videos on AC circuits.
There are many instructive presentations on AC circuits that are available on YouTube.
Show steps
  • Search for YouTube videos on AC circuits.
  • Watch the videos and take notes on the key concepts.
Join a study group and discuss AC circuits with other students.
Discussing the material with other students can help you to learn from different perspectives and identify areas where you need additional support.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own.
  • Meet with the group and discuss AC circuits.
Four other activities
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Solve practice problems on AC circuits.
Solving practice problems can help you to test your understanding of the material and identify areas where you need more practice.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on AC circuits.
  • Solve the problems and check your answers.
Create a diagram or table explaining the different types of AC waveforms.
This can help you visualize the different waveforms and understand their properties.
Show steps
  • Research the different types of AC waveforms.
  • Create a diagram or table that shows the different waveforms, their properties, and their applications.
Build a simple AC circuit and test it.
This hands-on approach will help you to gain a deeper understanding of AC circuits.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Build the circuit according to a schematic diagram.
  • Test the circuit and measure the voltage and current.
Help other students with AC circuits.
Helping others can help you to solidify your own understanding of the material.
Show steps
  • Offer to help other students with AC circuits.
  • Meet with students and help them with their questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. Electrical Engineers working with Alternating Current (AC) systems would find this course helpful as it discusses the principles of AC circuits, including its generation, distribution, and control. The basic principles and theories taught in this course would provide a solid foundation for Electrical Engineers.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers research, develop, design, and test electronic devices and systems, including power supplies, amplifiers, and control systems. This course on the Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis would be useful to them as it provides a comprehensive overview of AC circuits and their behavior. It can help these engineers better understand the principles behind designing and analyzing AC systems.
Power Systems Engineer
Power Systems Engineers design, operate, and maintain the electrical power grid. Understanding AC circuits is critical for Power Systems Engineers, and this course could be beneficial to them. It discusses the principles of AC circuits, including power factor, resonance, and complex numbers, which are essential concepts for designing and analyzing power systems.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers evaluate the performance of electrical and electronic devices and systems. The principles and theories covered in this course on Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis would provide a valuable foundation for Test Engineers. It can help them understand the behavior of AC circuits and how to design test procedures to assess their performance accurately.
Electrical Technician
Electrical Technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment. This course on AC Circuit Analysis would be useful to them as it provides a solid foundation in the principles of AC circuits. The knowledge and skills gained from this course can help Electrical Technicians troubleshoot and resolve issues related to AC systems more effectively.
Instrumentation Engineer
Instrumentation Engineers design, develop, and maintain instrumentation and control systems for various industries. AC circuit analysis is a fundamental aspect of instrumentation and control systems. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of AC circuits and their behavior, which can be beneficial for Instrumentation Engineers.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems for various industries. AC Circuit Analysis is essential for Control Systems Engineers because AC circuits are widely used in control systems. This course would provide them with a solid foundation in AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design control systems effectively.
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications Engineers design, develop, and maintain telecommunications systems. AC Circuit Analysis is relevant to Telecommunications Engineers because AC circuits are used in many telecommunications applications. This course would provide them with a foundation in AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design telecommunications systems.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineers ensure that electrical and electronic devices and systems do not interfere with each other. This course can be useful for them because AC Circuit Analysis is essential for understanding electromagnetic compatibility issues. It provides a comprehensive understanding of AC circuits and their behavior, which can help Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineers design and implement solutions to mitigate electromagnetic interference.
Electrical Field Technician
Electrical Field Technicians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment in various settings. This course may be useful for them as it provides a foundation in AC Circuit Analysis. The principles and theories covered can help Electrical Field Technicians better understand AC systems and troubleshoot issues more effectively.
Radio Frequency Engineer
Radio Frequency Engineers design, develop, and maintain radio frequency systems. AC Circuit Analysis is relevant to Radio Frequency Engineers as AC circuits are used in many radio frequency applications. This course may be beneficial for them as it provides a foundation in AC circuit analysis and helps them understand and design radio frequency systems.
Power Electronics Engineer
Power Electronics Engineers design, develop, and maintain power electronics systems. AC Circuit Analysis is important for Power Electronics Engineers because AC circuits are widely used in power electronics applications. This course can provide them with a foundation in AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design power electronics systems effectively.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineers design, develop, and maintain renewable energy systems. AC Circuit Analysis is relevant to Renewable Energy Engineers because AC circuits are used in many renewable energy applications. This course may provide them with a foundation in AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design renewable energy systems.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems. AC Circuit Analysis may be relevant to Systems Engineers depending on the specific systems they work with. This course may provide them with a basic understanding of AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design systems that include AC circuits.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers design and develop products and systems. AC Circuit Analysis may be relevant to Design Engineers depending on the specific products or systems they work with. This course may provide them with a basic understanding of AC circuit analysis, helping them understand and design products or systems that include AC circuits.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic Fundamentals of AC Circuit Analysis.
A comprehensive textbook that provides a comprehensive treatment of electrical machines and drives, including AC circuit analysis, motor control, and power electronics.
A graduate-level textbook that provides a comprehensive treatment of electric machinery and drive systems, including AC circuit analysis, motor control, and power electronics.
A graduate-level textbook that provides a comprehensive treatment of power system analysis and design, including AC circuit analysis, power flow studies, and stability analysis.
An introductory textbook that focuses on the practical aspects of AC circuits and power systems, including power factor correction, resonance, and transformer operation.
A comprehensive textbook that covers both DC and AC circuit analysis, including sinusoidal waveforms, vectors & phasors, and reactance & impedance.
A comprehensive textbook that covers both DC and AC circuit analysis, including sinusoidal waveforms, vectors & phasors, and reactance & impedance.
A problem-solving guide that provides a wealth of practice problems and solved examples covering sinusoidal waveforms, vectors & phasors, and reactance & impedance.
A widely-used textbook that provides a thorough introduction to both DC and AC circuit analysis, including sinusoidal waveforms, vectors & phasors, and reactance & impedance.

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