Physics · Glossary

What is Direct and alternating current?

Also known as: direct current · alternating current

Definition 67.1 Primary & Middle School Physics · Chapter 67 — Alternating Current

A direct current (DC) flows always in the same direction, driven by a steady voltage — the battery’s gift, constant until the store runs down. An alternating current (AC) reverses direction periodically, driven by a voltage that swings smoothly from positive to negative and back, over and over — the socket’s regime, and the alternator’s (next chapter tells whose).

Two voltages against time: the battery’s flat, faithful line — and the mains’ endless swing between plus and minus, twenty milliseconds per full cycle.
Two voltages against time: the battery’s flat, faithful line — and the mains’ endless swing between plus and minus, twenty milliseconds per full cycle.
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