If an AC voltmeter measures 220v, what would be the peak voltage in the circuit?

In an AC circuit, voltmeters typically display the root mean square (RMS) voltage, which is a measurement that represents the effective value of the varying AC voltage. The relationship between the RMS voltage and the peak voltage is a fundamental concept in alternating current systems.

To find the peak voltage from the RMS voltage, you can use the formula:

Peak Voltage (V_peak) = RMS Voltage (V_rms) × √2.

When you apply this formula, if the AC voltmeter reads 220 volts (the RMS value), you can calculate the peak voltage as follows:

V_peak = 220 volts × √2 ≈ 220 volts × 1.414 ≈ 310 volts.

This calculation indicates that the peak voltage in the circuit is approximately 310 volts, making this the correct answer. Understanding this conversion is crucial for safe and effective work with AC systems, as peak voltage levels are often higher than the RMS values that devices like voltmeters indicate.