Calculating Alternating Voltage Frequency

The frequency of an alternating voltage tells us how many complete cycles of the voltage waveform occur in one second. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz).

Understanding Frequency

Frequency is defined as the ratio of the number of cycles completed to the time taken to complete those cycles.

Mathematically, the formula for frequency is:

$$\text{Frequency} (f) = \frac{\text{Number of Cycles}}{\text{Time Taken} (t)}$$

Applying the Data

In this problem, we are given:

• Number of cycles = 80 cycles
• Time taken = 2 seconds

Performing the Calculation

Using the formula for frequency:

$$f = \frac{80 \text{ cycles}}{2 \text{ seconds}}$$

$$f = 40 \text{ cycles/second}$$

Since 1 cycle/second is equal to 1 Hertz (Hz), the frequency is:

$$f = 40 \text{ Hz}$$

Result Summary

The calculated frequency of the alternating voltage is 40 Hz.

This means the alternating voltage completes 40 cycles every second.