Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 1180 of 1506

What does the RMS value of an AC wave represent?

Its highest instantaneous value in a cycle
Its average value over a half-cycle
How many cycles occur each second
Its heating effect on a resistive load

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Correct answer: Its heating effect on a resistive load

RMS is the AC value that gives the same heating as the same DC value.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 12.1: AC Voltmeters and Ammeters

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026

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