Without magnetism, is alternating current possible?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only at high Frequency

Answer: (A)

AC is produced through electromagnetic induction—a changing magnetic flux through a conductor induces an emf that reverses direction each cycle. Without a magnetic field, there is no changing flux to drive that alternating emf, so no alternating current can be generated by induction. In the context of typical power generation and the equipment used in line work, magnetism is essential for creating AC. Note that there are other modern electronic ways to produce AC without magnets, but those are outside the usual generation concepts referenced here.