If one plots all of the instantaneous values of an AC voltage on a graph, the resultant shape will be a what?

When plotting all of the instantaneous values of an alternating current (AC) voltage over time, the resultant graph typically takes the shape of a sine wave. This waveform occurs due to the nature of how AC voltage varies, characterized by a smooth and continuous oscillation between positive and negative peaks.

In AC systems, the voltage alternates periodically, reaching its maximum and minimum values in a smooth manner, which aligns with the mathematical properties of the sine function. The sine wave accurately represents the voltage's continuous change over time, as it smoothly transitions through all values between its peak positive and peak negative voltages.

This is different from the other waveform options. A square wave, for instance, jumps between its maximum and minimum values abruptly, creating a more abrupt and less smooth transition. Similarly, triangle waves exhibit a linearly rising and falling pattern, while rectangle waves have a defined duration at maximum and minimum, contrasting with the smooth curve of a sine wave.

Overall, the characteristics of the AC voltage necessitate a representation that captures its gradual fluctuations, making the sine wave the appropriate choice in this context.