Alternating Current Vs Direct Current
Alternating current and DC current have major differences between them. Some key differences between direct current and alternating current are as follows:
Parameter | Alternating Current (AC) | Direct Current (DC) |
---|---|---|
Direction of flow | Reverses direction periodically | Flows in one direction only |
Voltage | Voltage magnitude varies with time | Voltage remains constant |
Power Transmission | Efficient over long distances | Requires conversion for long-distance transmission |
Generation | Easily generated through AC generators | Requires conversion from AC or battery |
Transmission Lines | AC lines use transformers for voltage control | DC lines require less infrastructure |
Energy storage | Challenging due to continuous voltage changes | Easily stored in batteries or capacitors |
Appliances | Suitable for most household and industrial uses | Used in electronic devices and certain industries |
Electrical Safety | Higher risk of electric shock due to voltage changes | Lower risk of electric shock due to constant voltage |
Conversion | Can be converted to DC using rectifiers | Can be converted to AC using inverters |
Historical usage | Predominant in power grids and homes | Used in early electrical systems and batteries |
Alternating Current
Alternating Current and Direct Current are the two types of electricity based on the direction of the voltage and current. In households, we use mostly Alternating Current as the grids are designed to provide alternating current only. But in the case of power storage, DC is used. Alternating currents vary with time so does their voltage.
All the appliances in a common household are wired to work with these types of currents and voltage sources. To understand the workings of these devices in real life, it becomes essential to understand the concepts behind alternating current (AC). Let’s look at these concepts in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Alternating Current (AC)?
- Alternating Current Definition
- Alternating Current Voltage Symbol
- AC Generators
- Alternating Current Waveform
- Characteristics of Alternating Current (AC)
- Alternating Current Vs Direct Current
- AC Circuit Analysis
- Ohm’s Law for AC Circuits
- Applications of Alternating Current
- Safety Considerations for Alternating Current
- Sample Problems on Alternating Current