What term is used to refer to either the positive or negative half of a cycle in AC?

The term used to refer to either the positive or negative half of a cycle in alternating current (AC) is "alternation." In AC waveforms, a complete cycle consists of a positive half and a negative half; each of these halves is referred to as an alternation. This concept is fundamental in understanding how AC operates, as it flows in one direction during the positive alternation and in the opposite direction during the negative alternation.

Understanding this term is crucial for linemen as it reflects the nature of how electrical signals vary over time in AC systems, influencing everything from how equipment is designed to the measurements taken during electrical troubleshooting.

The other terms, while related to electrical concepts, do not accurately describe this specific aspect of an AC waveform. A cycle represents the entire waveform, both positive and negative. Segment doesn't denote a specific part of a cycle in electrical terminology, and hertz is the unit of frequency that measures cycles per second but does not refer to the halves of a cycle.