What is the difference between direct and alternating current?

Direct current flows in one direction while alternating current changes direction periodically.

Direct current (DC) is a type of electrical current that flows in one direction only, from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a battery or power supply. It is commonly used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. Direct current is also used in electric vehicles and solar panels.

Alternating current (AC), on the other hand, changes direction periodically. This type of current is used in most homes and businesses to power appliances, lights, and other electrical devices. Alternating current is generated by power plants and delivered to homes and businesses through power lines.

One of the main advantages of alternating current is that it can be easily transformed into different voltages using a transformer. This makes it possible to transmit electricity over long distances with minimal loss of energy. Direct current, on the other hand, cannot be easily transformed into different voltages.

Another advantage of alternating current is that it can be easily controlled using devices such as transformers and inverters. This makes it possible to adjust the voltage and frequency of the current to suit different types of electrical devices.

In summary, direct current flows in one direction only while alternating current changes direction periodically. Alternating current is used in most homes and businesses to power appliances and lights, while direct current is commonly used in electronic devices and electric vehicles.