3. With respect to the mode of transmitting the energy, as

4. With respect to the kind of current, as

5. With respect to transmission and distribution, as

In order to comprehend the relative advantages of the various alternating current systems, it is first necessary to understand the principle of vector summation.

Vector Summation.—This is a simple geometrical process for ascertaining the pressure at the free terminals of alternating current circuits. The following laws should be carefully noted: