What is the average value of a pure AC sine wave?

What is the average value of a pure AC sine wave?

• A. Equal to its peak value
• B. Negative
• C. Zero
• D. Positive

Answer: (C)

The average value of a pure AC sine wave over one complete cycle is zero. This is due to the symmetrical nature of the sine wave, which oscillates equally above and below the horizontal axis (zero value). During the positive half of the cycle, the wave contributes a positive value, while during the negative half, it contributes an equal negative value, resulting in a net average of zero when calculated over one full period. This behavior is characteristic of sinusoidal signals, where the waveform has equal positive and negative amplitudes. While the peak value indicates the maximum reached by the wave, it does not represent the average when taking the entirety of the sine wave into account. Hence, even though parts of the wave are positive and some are negative, the overall average effect is balanced, yielding an average value of zero.

The average value of a pure AC sine wave over one complete cycle is zero. This is due to the symmetrical nature of the sine wave, which oscillates equally above and below the horizontal axis (zero value). During the positive half of the cycle, the wave contributes a positive value, while during the negative half, it contributes an equal negative value, resulting in a net average of zero when calculated over one full period.

This behavior is characteristic of sinusoidal signals, where the waveform has equal positive and negative amplitudes. While the peak value indicates the maximum reached by the wave, it does not represent the average when taking the entirety of the sine wave into account. Hence, even though parts of the wave are positive and some are negative, the overall average effect is balanced, yielding an average value of zero.