Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Make an AC Frequency

There are two main types of electricity: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). DC electricity operates at constant voltage and has no time dependence, while AC electricity has a voltage that is periodic with time. The frequency of an AC wave is defined as the number of cycles per second, and is an important parameter in electronics. AC electricity of a given frequency can be made using an electrical function generator.

Things You'll Need

Function generator
Oscilloscope
Coaxial cable

Instructions

- 1
  Connect the coaxial cable in between the output of the electrical function generator and one of the oscilloscope inputs. Oscilloscopes normally have two inputs and these are labelled "A" and "B."
- 2
  Switch on the electrical function generator and oscilloscope. Select the type of AC wave that is required on the function generator. There is normally a range of buttons to make the selection and a choice of square wave, sinusoidal wave or triangular wave.
- 3
  Select the frequency of the AC signal. There is normally a dial on the the front which enables the desired frequency to be selected. Modify the volts/division and time/division settings on the oscilloscope until the AC signal can be visualized. Confirm that the signal is of the desired frequency by measuring the period (horizontal peak-to-peak) and using the following equation:
  
  Frequency = 1 / Period

Science