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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AC AND DC CURENT ?

Direct current is a constant, steady state current, such as obtained from a battery. Alternating current is constantly switching polarity, usually in a sinusoidal waveform, such as obtained from an alternator, a form of generator that does not have a commutator.

In other words, Direct current is constant - always in the same direction. Alternating current regularly changes direction; for example, in household current, 50 or 60 times (that is, full cycles) in every second

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In Alternating Current, the value of current changes continuously with time.

In Direct Current(DC), the value of current is constant with time.

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Hi,
Direct current always flows in one direction whereas alternating current changes direction after a particular time interval i.e. it changes direction periodically
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AC is the short form for Alternating Current. The current that changes its polarity with time is called an alternating current. The current in your home’s main line is an alternating current.

DC is the short form for Direct Current. The current that stays constant with time is called direct current. Current from a battery is direct current.

Some differences:

  1. AC can be transported over long distance at high voltage and low current so as minimizing the ohmic loss in heat while the same is not efficient for DC.
  2. AC can be used as carrier waves for signal transmission purposes without the need of oscillators. While DC can’t be used for such purpose.
  3. AC needs rectification before use in any electronic appliance while DC can be directly used with electronic components without the need of rectification.
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In alternating current (AC, also ac), the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In Direct current (DC, also dc), the flow of electric charge is only in one direction.

The abbreviations AC and DC are often used to mean simply alternating and direct, as when they modify current or voltage.[1] [2]

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