Difference between alternating and direct current

Question: Explain the basic difference between alternating and direct current?

Answer: Alternating current (AC) is defined as the current which changes its polarity after regular interval of time.

On the other hand, the direct current is the one whose polarity always remains constant.


 

Explanation: The actual difference between AC and DC is the flow of electrons.

A DC source has two terminals (+) and (-). A stream of electrons constantly flows from negative terminal towards the positive terminal of the battery.

The polarity of AC voltage source constantly changes from positive to negative and negative to positive thus causing the electrons to move back and forth in the wire.

difference-between-alternating-and-direct-current


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