With each complete cycle of AC voltage, how do the voltage values behave in relation to time?

The behavior of AC voltage over time is characterized by its periodic nature. In an alternating current (AC) system, the voltage levels fluctuate in a cyclical pattern, rising to a peak, then dropping to a trough, and returning to a neutral position. This cycle repeats continuously, which means that the voltage values rise and fall periodically in accordance with the waveform of the AC signal, commonly illustrated as a sine wave.

This periodic rise and fall represent the inherent properties of alternating current as it changes direction and magnitude. The correct response captures the essence of how AC voltage operates in electrical circuits, making it essential for understanding how AC systems function in real-world applications.

In contrast, options describing the voltage as staying constant, increasing steadily, or decreasing steadily do not accurately depict the dynamic nature of AC voltage. Instead, they suggest a static state or a linear trend, neither of which describes the oscillatory behavior typical of AC voltage cycles.