GCSE Physics (Pearson IGCSE)

Topic Summaries

Electricity

AC and DC currents

  • A direct potential difference provides a direct current, which always flows in the same direction.
  • An alternating potential difference causes an alternating current, which is constantly changing direction.
    • The number of times the current changes direction per second is its frequency.
    • Frequency is measured in Hertz, Hz, and 1 Hz is 1 cycle per second.
  • In the UK, mains electricity is supplied as an AC current of ~230 V and 50 Hz.

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