What is a harmonic in electrical terms?

A harmonic in electrical terms refers to a sinusoidal waveform that has a frequency which is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency. This concept is essential in understanding the behavior of electrical systems, particularly in the context of alternating current (AC) circuits and signal processing.

In electrical systems, the fundamental frequency is typically the lowest frequency of a periodic waveform, and harmonics are the additional frequencies that occur at higher multiples of this fundamental frequency. For instance, if the fundamental frequency is 60 Hz, the first harmonic would be 120 Hz, the second would be 180 Hz, and so forth. These higher frequencies can influence system performance, leading to issues such as distortion or overheating in electrical equipment.

Understanding harmonics is crucial for designing efficient electrical systems and for the proper functioning of devices like transformers and motors, which can be adversely affected by the presence of high levels of harmonics. In applications where power quality is vital, such as in industrial settings or for sensitive electronic equipment, engineers pay close attention to harmonic distortion to ensure efficiency and reliability of the power supply.