variable current

[/ˈvɛriəbəl ˈkɜrənt/]
nounpl: variable currents
corrente variável
1. An electric current that changes in magnitude and/or direction over time, as opposed to a constant direct current
The alternating current in household electrical systems is a type of variable current that changes direction 60 times per second in North America.
A corrente alternada nos sistemas elétricos residenciais é um tipo de corrente variável que muda de direção 60 vezes por segundo na América do Norte.
2. In electrical engineering, any current whose instantaneous value changes with time according to some function
The variable current generated by the solar panel fluctuates depending on cloud cover and time of day.
A corrente variável gerada pelo painel solar flutua dependendo da cobertura de nuvens e da hora do dia.
This is primarily a technical term used in electrical engineering and physics education. In Brazil, it's commonly taught in technical schools (escolas técnicas) and universities. The distinction between variable current and direct current is fundamental to understanding modern electrical systems, from power distribution to electronics.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
alternating currentAC currenttime-varying currentfluctuating current
Antonyms / Antônimos
direct currentDC currentconstant currentsteady current

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
corrente variável
Standard technical term used in electrical engineering education and practice
Portugal
corrente variável
Same term used; alternatively 'corrente alternada' for AC specifically
Technical/Academic
corrente variável no tempo
More formal specification emphasizing time-dependence

Related Words

alternating current (AC)direct current (DC)amplitudefrequencyvoltagerectificationelectromagnetic induction

Related Idioms & Phrases

variable current circuit
variable current supply
variable current source
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