Which term is used to describe the effective voltage of an alternating current?

The term that describes the effective voltage of an alternating current is known as rms voltage, which stands for root mean square voltage. This measurement is crucial in understanding AC systems because it allows for a comparison to the equivalent direct current (DC) voltage that would deliver the same power to a load.

Rms voltage is mathematically derived from the square of the instantaneous voltage values over a complete cycle, providing an average value that corresponds to the energy delivered by the AC supply. This makes it highly useful in practical applications, where devices are designed to operate at this effective voltage level, ensuring that they receive and use electrical power in a manner comparable to equivalent DC devices. Thus, the rms voltage is essential for correctly sizing electrical components and ensuring their safe and efficient operation within an AC electrical system.