Vaihtojännitteen

Vaihtojännitteen is a Finnish term that translates to "alternating voltage" in English. It refers to an electric voltage that periodically changes polarity and magnitude. Unlike direct voltage, which flows in a single direction, alternating voltage reverses its direction of flow many times per second.

The fundamental characteristic of alternating voltage is its waveform, which is often sinusoidal, meaning it follows the shape of a sine wave. This sinusoidal pattern implies that the voltage rises from zero to a maximum positive value, decreases back to zero, then increases to a maximum negative value, and finally returns to zero before repeating the cycle. The rate at which this cycle repeats is known as the frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz). A common frequency for alternating voltage in household electrical outlets is 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the region.

Alternating voltage is the standard form of electricity delivered by power grids and used in most household appliances and industrial machinery. Its ability to be easily transformed to higher or lower voltages using transformers makes it highly practical for long-distance power transmission, as higher voltages reduce energy loss during transport. While direct voltage is essential for many electronic devices, alternating voltage is the primary means of distributing electrical power.