What is A.C Waveform?

           What is A.C Waveform? 

The shape obtained by plotting the instantaneous ordinate values of either voltage or
current against time is called an AC Waveform. An AC waveform is constantly changing its polarity
every half cycle and alternating between a positive maximum value and a negative maximum
value respectively with respect to time.
The sinusoidal waveform or sine wave is the fundamental type of alternating current and
alternating voltage. It is also referred to as a sinusoidal wave or simply sinu soid. The electrical
service provided by the power company (Electricity Board) is in the form of sinusoidal voltage or
current.

AC waveforms can also take the shape of either Complex Waves, Square Waves or Triangular
Waves and these are shown below.

                  Fig. Types of periodic waveform