ABSTRACT
A waveform of the type shown in Figure 14.3(g) is called a sine wave. It is the shape of the waveform of e.m.f. produced by an alternator and thus the mains electricity supply is of ‘sinusoidal’ form. One complete series of values is called a cycle (i.e. from O to P i n Fi gure 14.3(g)). The time taken for an alternating quantity to complete one cycle is called the period or the periodic time, T, of the waveform. The number of cycles completed in one second is called the frequency, f , of the supply and is measured in hertz, Hz. The standard frequency of the electricity supply in Great Britain is 50 Hz.
