AC VS DC

Questions
1. Define AC and DC current
2. Compare the differences of AC and DC current
3. Sketch and explain the difference between AC and DC current waves
4. Discuss the pros and cons of AC and DC electricity

Answers
1. AC Current: Alternating Current is a type of electrical current, in which the
direction of the flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or
cycles. Current flowing in power lines and normal household electricity that comes
from a wall outlet is alternating current.
DC Current: Direct Current is the unidirectional flow or movement of
electric charge carriers. The intensity of the current can vary with time, but the
general direction of movement stays the same at all times.
2. AC Current is a current which reverses the direction of electrons at regular
intervals and normal household electricity comes from this. While DC Current only
has the flow of electrons in only one direction and powers pretty much everything
else.
3. The differnce between Ac and Dc waves is that while Dc waves stay in the
positive and dont dip below the horizontal axis. Ac waves dip below the horizontal
axis and above the axis in equal peaks and troughs

4. Pros of AC
It can maintain a strong current over a long distance
Cheaper and easier to transform voltage
Cons of AC
AC Current isn't direct, it alternates many times per second, so it can't really be used for our
phones or anything that needs a reliable source of consistent power.

Pros of DC
About 1.4 times more efficient due to not being a sine wave.
DC does not lose power to reactive losses
Cons of DC
Not efficient in transporting power because it fades out over high resistance

By: Cody Winsor

William Breon