AC power

AC power is electric power transmitted or consumed through alternating current, whose direction and magnitude vary periodically. Its voltage and current may differ in phase, so average power depends on both.

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Alternating current: Electric current that periodically reverses direction, usually with a repeating waveform. AC power is delivered by current that reverses direction over time.
Impedance: The frequency-dependent opposition a circuit presents to alternating current, combining resistance and reactance. Impedance determines the current drawn by an AC load.
Electric power transmission: The bulk transfer of electrical energy from generating stations to distribution networks. AC power is widely used to move electricity across transmission networks.
Direct current: Electric current that flows in one direction, with polarity that remains constant. DC is the principal alternative to AC for transmission, storage, and electronic circuits.
Voltage: Electric potential difference between two points, measured in volts. The voltage waveform helps determine instantaneous and average AC power.
Electrical resistance: The opposition a material or component presents to electric current, converting electrical energy into heat. Resistance turns electrical power into heat and shapes real power consumption.
Transformer: An electrical device that transfers energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, often changing voltage. Transformers make AC voltage changes practical for transmission and distribution.
High-voltage direct current: A method of transmitting bulk electricity using direct current at high voltage. HVDC can outperform AC on very long routes and undersea cables.
Electric current: The rate at which electric charge flows through a conductor or circuit. AC power depends on the current flowing through a circuit.
Reactance: The opposition to alternating current caused by capacitance or inductance. Reactance shifts current relative to voltage and changes power flow.