Education Technology


AC Circuits

Activity Overview

Students explore a model of alternating electric current. They observe the effects of varying voltage, angular velocity, frequency, and phase shift on the shape of the waveform. They also calculate the relative phase shift between two waveforms. Finally, they create a model of a three-phase alternating current.

Key Steps

  • Image

    Students should read the information on pages 1.8 and 1.9. Page 1.10 shows two sine curves. The dotted curve is identical to the curve students manipulated on page 1.6. Students should vary the value of f and observe the effects on the waveform. Then, they should answer questions 4–7.