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Alternating currents

Sinusoidal current and voltage, peak and r.m.s. values, power in a resistor, half-wave and bridge rectification, and smoothing with a capacitor

A Level Physics 9702 · 21 Alternating currents

About this lab: Alternating currents

Interactive simulation for Cambridge A Level Physics 9702 topic 21 Alternating currents: a resistor on a sinusoidal supply with the V, I and power waveforms, r.m.s. values and the mean power of half the peak, half-wave rectification with one diode and full-wave rectification with a four-diode bridge showing which diodes conduct as the supply reverses, and smoothing with a capacitor across the load with the ripple set by the time constant RC against the gap between peaks.

Sinusoidal current and voltage, peak and r.m.s. values, power in a resistor, half-wave and bridge rectification, and smoothing with a capacitor

Alternating currents is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 21 Alternating currents). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 3 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

Full syllabus map: A Level Physics 9702 topic 21.

How to use this simulation

  1. 1. Characteristics of a.c.
  2. 2. Rectification.
  3. 3. Smoothing.
  4. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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