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AC vs DC: Key Differences Explained

The document compares Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC), highlighting that AC periodically reverses direction while DC flows steadily in one direction. AC is generated using alternators and has a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz, whereas DC can be generated using a commutator and has a frequency of zero. Key differences include AC's ability to transfer power over long distances and DC's limitation in energy loss over distance.

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5 views3 pages

AC vs DC: Key Differences Explained

The document compares Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC), highlighting that AC periodically reverses direction while DC flows steadily in one direction. AC is generated using alternators and has a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz, whereas DC can be generated using a commutator and has a frequency of zero. Key differences include AC's ability to transfer power over long distances and DC's limitation in energy loss over distance.

Uploaded by

lolorefaat4
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Comparison between A.C and D.

C
Alternating current (AC) :
Definition: Alternating Current (AC) When the
direction of the electric current reverses
periodically, it is said to be Alternating Current.
Since the direction of the current reverses
periodically, the voltage polarity also reverses i.e.
the high potential (+) and low potential (-) swaps
together. Therefore, Alternating current is denoted
by a wave (~) sign. The number of times electric
current changes its direction in one second is
called its frequency and it is commonly 50 Hz
(Europe) or 60 Hz (US). Generation When a coil or a
loop of wire is placed in a varying magnetic field, it
induces an electric current in the coil. This principle
is applied in the devices called Alternators which is
used for the generation of Alternating current.
Waveforms The magnitude of the alternating
current and voltage varies continuously through
time. It oscillates between its maximum peak point
and its minimum peak point along a common
reference point. Single Phase AC Circuits * V = P/(I
x Cosθ) * V = I / Z

Direct Current (DC) :


The type of electric current whose direction does
not change is called Direct Current or DC. It is
unidirectional current that flows in only one
direction and unlike AC’ it does not flow backward.
Since the direction of the current does not change
the polarity of its voltage also do not change.
Therefore, the Direct Current is always denoted by
Positive (+) & Negative (-) Marking Generation
Direct current can be generated in many ways. The
same AC generation method can be used to
generate DC by connecting a device called a
commutator. The commutator is a rotating device
that ensures to keep the current flow in a single
direction. Waveform The direct current does not
have any specific waveform because it only flows
in a single direction. If you connect a DC to an
oscilloscope, it will show a straight line. However, if
the voltage is pulsating, say in a digital circuit that
purely runs on DC voltages, the signal waveform
might appear as a pulse train or square waves. DC
Current * I = V/R * I = P/V * I = √P/R

Summary:
A.C D.C
1) electrons keep switching directions, sometimes 1) the electrons flow steadily in a single direction
going "forward" and then going “backward.”
2) Voltage of DC cannot travel very far until it
2) Safe to transfer over longer city distances and begins to lose energy.
can provide more power.
3) Steady magnetism along the wire.
3) Rotating magnet along the wire.

4) The frequency of alternating current is 50Hz or 4) The frequency of direct current is zero.
60Hz depending upon the country

5) Electrons keep switching directions - forward 5) Electrons move steadily in one direction or
and backward. 'forward'.

6) Cell or Battery
6) A.C Generator and mains.

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