Albert Teen
powered by
Albert logo

YOU ARE LEARNING:

pointer
AC/DC
lessonMenuButton

AC/DC

lesson introduction

AC/DC

A current can either be produced to go in one direction, namely a direct current (DC) or as a current which changes directions, namely an alternating current (AC).

Current is the movement of _________ _____________.

hint button

True or false? Current always flows in one direction.

hint button

Some currents do only flow in one direction. What do you think we call those currents?

hint button

What do we call a current that can flow in either direction?

hint button

So current which flows in one direction is called direct current (DC), whereas alternating current (AC) flows in either direction.

Alternating current will not flow in both directions at the same time. It will flow in one direction and then change to the other direction. These changes can take place multiple times a second and occur due to the changing potential difference in a circuit.

What type of current do you think batteries provide a circuit with?

hint button

Batteries have a negative and positive terminal, so the particles only move in one direction. That means that batteries provide direct current.

Which of the following best describes direct current?

hint button

If direct current is the movement of charged particles in one direction, then what does alternating current mean?

hint button

An example of alternating current is mains electricity which travels in either direction around circuits. It can change due to changes in potential difference.

Which of the following use direct current? Select all the options you think are correct.

hint button

You can select multiple answers

Why do electronic devices use direct current?

hint button

Which of the following use alternating current? Pick all the options you think are correct.

hint button

You can select multiple answers

Direct current (DC) is used in appliances which contain circuit boards, because circuit boards require a constant flow of electricity in one direction to work. Other appliances connected to mains electricity use alternating current (AC) because it is easier to increase or decrease the voltage to the appropriate level.