Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
An alternating voltage (AC voltage) is an electrical voltage that reverses its direction periodically and varies in magnitude continuously over time, typically following a sinusoidal waveform.
Detailed Explanation:
The generation of alternating voltage in an AC generator is based on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction.
As a coil rotates at a constant angular velocity \(\omega\) inside a uniform magnetic field, the magnetic flux linking the coil varies sinusoidally.
The instantaneous induced electromotive force (EMF), \( e \), at any time \( t \) is given by the sinusoidal equation:
\[ e = E_m \sin(\omega t) \]
Where:
- \( e \) is the instantaneous alternating voltage at time \( t \).
- \( E_m \) is the maximum amplitude or peak voltage.
- \(\omega\) is the angular frequency of rotation (\(\omega = 2\pi f\)).
- \( t \) is the elapsed time.
While a cosine wave can also represent an alternating wave (shifted by \(90^{\circ}\)), the standard convention starting from \( t = 0 \) is represented by the sine function, making Option (B) the correct choice.
Step 2: Final Answer:
The standard equation for alternating voltage is \( e = E_m \sin \omega t \).