Which term translates to "alternating current" in German?

The term that translates to "alternating current" in German is Wechselstrom. This term is widely used in electrical engineering and physics to describe the type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction, as opposed to direct current (DC), which flows in a single direction.

Wechselstrom is essential in various applications, particularly in power distribution systems, because it allows for the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances. The name reflects the fundamental characteristic of this current: "wechsel" means "to change" or "alternating," and "strom" means "current." This precise terminology helps distinguish it from other forms of electrical current, making it crucial for clear communication within the field.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts: "Vorwärtsstrom" does not specifically correspond to a known term in power electronics, "Direktstrom" translates to "direct current," and "Rundstrom" is not a standard term in this context. Therefore, recognizing Wechselstrom as the right choice is essential for understanding electrical systems and their terminology in German.