Do AC Circuits Combine Coherently at 60Hz?

In summary, when multiple AC circuits are connected into one circuit with a 60Hz cycle, the cycles will stay coherent if the wires are of similar length. However, if the wires are significantly different in length, the synchronization of the cycles becomes more complex. To align the cycles, a capacitor may be needed, but it is unclear if the pulses will automatically align themselves.
  • #1
Idea04
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Homework Statement


my question is when you connect let's say many ac circuits into one circuit and the cycle is 60Hz. Do the cycles stay coherent to one another or do the pulses of the alternating current get mixed once they all combine into one circuit.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
If the lengths of the wires are similair they cycles will all be in phase.
If you have an experiment with very long wires, such that it takes more than 1/60s to travel down different parts of the circuit it gets more complicated.
 
  • #3
well the ac current comes from many individual circuits and the wires are all different lengths. So to get them all on the same phase do you have to put the current through a capacitor or something like that. I really don't know , or does the pulses automatically align them selves.
 

FAQ: Do AC Circuits Combine Coherently at 60Hz?

1. What is an AC circuit?

An AC circuit, or alternating current circuit, is a type of electrical circuit in which the current periodically changes direction. This is in contrast to a DC circuit, where the current flows in only one direction.

2. How does an AC circuit work?

In an AC circuit, the current flow is created by a changing voltage source. This can be achieved through a generator or transformer, which causes the current to alternate back and forth.

3. What is the frequency of an AC circuit?

The frequency of an AC circuit refers to the number of times the current changes direction in one second. In the case of 60Hz, the current changes direction 60 times in one second.

4. Do AC circuits combine coherently at 60Hz?

Yes, AC circuits do combine coherently at 60Hz. This means that when two or more AC circuits are connected together, they will have the same frequency and their waveforms will line up in a predictable way.

5. How is 60Hz determined as the standard frequency for AC circuits?

The frequency of 60Hz was chosen as the standard for AC circuits because it is a good compromise between higher and lower frequencies. It is high enough to allow for efficient transmission of power, but low enough to minimize energy losses and potential safety hazards.

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