
6 The a.c. voltage
6.1 Introduction
Unlike d.c. voltages, which have a constant amplitude, a.c. voltages
vary through a cycle of values which is repeated continuously at
some fixed rate.
A.c.
voltages can be generated by both alternators and oscillators.
The most important waveform shape is the sine wave. Others, such
as triangular and square waves, are also used in electronic circuits.
A.c.
voltages have parameters associated with them such as fre-
quency, wavelength, amplitude and periodic time. This chapter
shows how these quantities are calculated, the relationship between
them, the units used, and how they can be derived graphically an