The peak-to-peak voltage of an AC waveform is the difference between the highest and lowest voltage points in one complete cycle of the waveform. In other words, it measures the full extent of the voltage variation from the positive peak to the negative peak of the waveform.
For a sinusoidal AC waveform, the peak-to-peak voltage can be calculated using the formula:
Peak-to-Peak Voltage = 2 * Peak Voltage
Where the "Peak Voltage" is the maximum positive amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform. This formula holds true because the sinusoidal waveform repeats symmetrically above and below the zero voltage line.
For example, if the peak voltage of a sinusoidal AC waveform is 10 volts, then the peak-to-peak voltage would be:
Peak-to-Peak Voltage = 2 * 10 volts = 20 volts
It's important to note that the peak-to-peak voltage is a measure of the full voltage swing of the waveform and is used in various applications, including electronics, telecommunications, and power distribution.