Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What term describes the rate of cycles per second in an alternating current generator?

1. Conductor

2. Current

3. Cycler

4. Frequency

The correct answer is: Frequency

The term that describes the rate of cycles per second in an alternating current generator is frequency. In electrical terms, frequency is measured in hertz (Hz) and indicates how many complete cycles of the waveform occur within one second. For example, in the United States, the standard frequency for electrical power is typically 60 Hz, meaning the alternating current completes 60 cycles in one second. Understanding frequency is crucial for estheticians, particularly when working with equipment that uses electrical circuits, such as facial machines or microcurrent devices. The performance and effectiveness of these tools can vary depending on their operational frequency, which can influence treatment outcomes. Other terms presented, such as conductor or current, refer to different concepts. A conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric current, while current itself is the actual flow of electricity through the conductor. The term "cycler" is not a standard term in the context of electrical engineering or esthetics, making frequency the only applicable and correct choice in this scenario.