vaihtovirtasignaaleja

Vaihtovirtasignaaleja, commonly referred to as AC signals, are electrical signals that periodically reverse direction. Unlike direct current (DC) signals, where the flow of electrons is in a single direction, AC signals oscillate back and forth. This oscillation is typically sinusoidal, meaning the signal's amplitude follows a sine wave pattern over time. The rate at which the signal reverses direction is called its frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), which indicates the number of complete cycles per second.

The key characteristics of an AC signal are its amplitude, which represents the maximum voltage or current, and its frequency. The waveform can also be described by its period, the time it takes for one complete cycle, and its phase, which indicates the signal's position within its cycle relative to a reference. AC signals are fundamental to electrical power distribution, as they can be easily transformed to different voltage levels using transformers, making long-distance transmission more efficient. They are also prevalent in communications, audio systems, and many electronic circuits.