If a sine wave has a peak value of 295 V, what is the average value?

If a sine wave has a peak value of 295 V, what is the average value?

• A. 187.62 V
• B. 295 V
• C. 147.5 V
• D. 0.5 x 295 V

Answer: (A)

When a sine wave is considered for its average value, you have to decide whether you’re averaging the signed instantaneous values or the magnitude (rectified output). The common quantity used for rectified or DC output is the average of the magnitude, which equals 2 times the peak value divided by pi. So for a peak of 295 V, the average of the magnitude is (2/π) × 295 ≈ 590/3.1416 ≈ 187.62 V. If you were instead averaging the sine with its sign, the average would be zero, and the RMS value would be 295/√2 ≈ 208.63 V. The result 187.62 V reflects the rectified-type average.

When a sine wave is considered for its average value, you have to decide whether you’re averaging the signed instantaneous values or the magnitude (rectified output). The common quantity used for rectified or DC output is the average of the magnitude, which equals 2 times the peak value divided by pi.

So for a peak of 295 V, the average of the magnitude is (2/π) × 295 ≈ 590/3.1416 ≈ 187.62 V.

If you were instead averaging the sine with its sign, the average would be zero, and the RMS value would be 295/√2 ≈ 208.63 V. The result 187.62 V reflects the rectified-type average.