AC stands for Alternating Current meaning voltage or current that changes polarity or direction respectively over time. An Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current whose magnitude and direction changes with respect to time. Or Alternating Current (AC) is an electric current which periodically reverses direction. So the direction of current flowing in a circuit is constantly being reversed back and forth. The sine wave is a common type of alternating current and alternating voltage. The time required for sine wave to complete one full cycle is called the period (T). A cycle consist of one complete positive and one complete negative alternation. The number of cycles that a sine wave competes in one second is called frequency (f). The unit of frequency is hertz (Hz). With AC it is possible to build electric generators, motors and power distribution systems that are far more efficient than DC.
AC electromechanical generators which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy are known as alternators and are simpler construction than DC electromechanical generators.