Alternating current & Direct current
ABC - DEF - GHI - JKL - MNO - PQRS - TUV - WXYZLanguages:Alternating current & Direct currentSimilar term(s): AC & DC.Definition:Alternating Current (AC) is a type ofelectrical current, in which the directionof the flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or cycles.Current flowing in power lines and normal household electricity that comes froma wall outlet is alternating current. The standard current used in the U.S. is60 cycles per second (i.e. a frequency of60 Hz); in Europe and most other parts of the world it is 50 cycles per second(i.e. a frequency of 50 Hz.).Direct current (DC) is electrical current which flowsconsistently in one direction. The current that flows in a flashlight or anotherappliance running on batteries is direct current.One advantage of alternating current is that it is relatively cheap to changethe voltage of the current. Furthermore, the inevitable loss of energy thatoccurs when current is carried over long distances is far smaller withalt...