What type of current is indicated by the symbol for a power supply designated as AC?

Study for the IGCSE Physics Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, and prepare thoroughly for your assessment.

The symbol for a power supply designated as AC indicates Alternating Current. In an AC system, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, which is different from Direct Current (DC), where the flow of charge is constant and flows in one direction only.

Alternating Current is commonly used in residential and commercial power supplies because it can be easily transformed to different voltages for efficient long-distance transmission. This characteristic makes it suitable for powering various electrical devices that require different voltage levels.

Static Current is not a recognized type of current in electrical systems; it might imply a buildup of electrical charge rather than a flow. Continuous Current is not a standard term in electrical engineering, as it doesn’t accurately reflect the behavior of either DC or AC.

Thus, the choice of Alternating Current is correct as it aligns precisely with what AC represents in electric power terminology.

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