ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the alternating waveforms, the mean values and the root- mean- square values of the alternating waveforms. Alternating waveforms oscillate from positive to negative values in a regular, periodic manner. The rectangular waveform starts with a positive current which then switches to a negative current, which again switches to a positive current. The term direct voltage or current is used when the voltage or current is always in the same direction. The term alternating voltage or current is used when the polarity or direction of flow of the voltage or current alternates, continually changing with time. For alternating currents and voltages, the moving coil meter can be used with a rectifier circuit. For alternating currents, or voltages, the relationships between the root- mean- square values and the maximum values depend on the waveform. The root- mean-square ratio value to the average value over half a cycle is called the form factor and is an indication of the waveform shape.
