AC, or alternating current, is a type of electrical current in which the direction of the flow of electrons changes periodically, typically reversing the trend many times per second. The most common form of AC is the sine wave, in which the current oscillates smoothly between positive and negative values. AC is used for many power transmission and distribution applications, as well as for powering most electrical devices in homes and businesses.
DC, or direct current, is a type of electrical current in which the electrons flow in only one direction. DC is typically used in batteries and electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, and televisions.
By Construction difference between AC and DC current
The construction of AC and DC generators or motors can differ in various aspects.
AC generators or alternators use a rotating coil of wire called the rotor that is situated inside a stationary coil of wire called the stator. When the rotor spins, it generates a changing magnetic field that induces an AC current in the stator. This is known as electromagnetic induction. The construction of AC generators is relatively simple and efficient when compared to DC generators.
On the other hand, DC generators or dynamos use commutators and brushes to convert AC current generated by the rotating coil into DC current. It consists of a rotor, a rotating coil of wire, and a stator, a stationary coil of wire. When the rotor spins, it generates a changing magnetic field, which induces an AC current in the rotor. This AC current is then converted into DC current using a commutator and brushes. This construction is more complex and less efficient than an AC generator.
For motors, DC motors typically have a simpler construction than AC motors. They consist of a rotor, a rotating coil of wire, and a stator, a stationary magnetic field. They use direct current to run the motor. Meanwhile, AC motors use an alternating current to run the motor and have a more complex construction, usually consisting of a stator (the stationary part of the motor that contains the coils) and a rotor (the moving part of the motor that contains the magnets). The AC motor can come in multiple types like Induction, synchronous, etc.
By Working difference between AC and DC current
AC and DC currents differ in the way they function, primarily due to the way the electrons flow in the circuit.
In an AC circuit, the electrons constantly change direction, flowing in one direction for a certain period of time and then reversing direction and flowing in the opposite direction. This change in direction occurs many times per second, typically at a frequency of 60 Hz (in North America) or 50 Hz (in most other parts of the world). This type of current is produced by generators that use rotating coils of wire to generate an alternating electromagnetic field.
In a DC circuit, the electrons flow in one direction only and do not change direction. This current type is produced by batteries and electronic devices that use rectifiers to convert AC to DC.
AC is used primarily for power transmission and distribution over long distances because AC voltage can be easily transformed to higher or lower voltages with a transformer, it’s more practical for long-distance power transmission and distribution, While DC is used primarily in electronic devices and for charging batteries because DC more stable and less susceptible to interference, making it more suitable for electronic devices where precision is required.