Concepts of A/C and D/C current, flow of current.

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Concepts of A/C and D/C Current & Flow of Current

1. What is Electric Current?

Electric current is the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a conductor like a wire.

  • Measured in Amperes (A)

  • Flows from positive (+) to negative (–) terminal (conventional current)

  • Electrons actually move from negative (–) to positive (+) (electron flow)

2. DC (Direct Current)

Definition:

DC is the type of current that flows in only one direction.

Key Points:

  • Voltage remains constant.

  • Electrons move steadily from – to +.

  • Used in batteries, mobile phones, laptops, solar panels, etc.

Examples:

  • Battery

  • Power bank

  • Mobile charger (internal output is DC)

  • Solar cell

Waveform:

Straight line (constant level on a graph)

3. AC (Alternating Current)

Definition:

AC current changes direction repeatedly — many times per second.

Key Points:

  • Voltage keeps rising and falling in a wave-like pattern.

  • Electrons move back and forth.

  • Used in homes, offices, industries (main power supply).

Examples:

  • Electricity from power stations

  • Home appliances: fan, fridge, TV, lights

  • AC power sockets

Frequency:

  • In India: 50 Hz (changes direction 50 times per second)

  • In the USA: 60 Hz

Waveform:

Sine wave — smooth up-and-down pattern.

4. Difference Between AC and DC

FeatureAC (Alternating Current)DC (Direct Current)
Direction of flowChanges directionSingle direction
VoltageVaries with timeConstant
WaveformSine waveStraight line
SourcePower plantsBatteries, solar cells
TransmissionLong-distanceShort-distance
UseHome appliancesElectronics, charging

5. Flow of Current (Simple Explanation)

Current flows because of:

  • Voltage (pressure) pushing electrons

  • Conductor (path) like copper wire

  • Closed Circuit (complete loop)

Types of Flow:

  1. DC Flow:
    Electrons move steadily in one direction.

  2. AC Flow:
    Electrons vibrate back and forth quickly — they don’t travel far, but energy is transferred efficiently.

Analogy:

  • DC = Water flowing in a pipe in one direction.

  • AC = Water moving forward-backward in a pipe, but still delivering energy.

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