AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current)

Electrical energy or electric power is one of the main types of energy needed for electrical equipment or energy stored in electric current in amperes (A) and voltage in volts (V) provided that the need for electrical power consumption is in Watts (W). to drive motors, lighting lamps, heat, cool or re-drive a mechanical device to produce other forms of energy.

In general, the flow of electric current itself follows the direction of the flow of positive charge. In other words, electric current flows from positive charge to negative charge, or it can be interpreted that electric current flows from potential to low potential. Based on the direction of flow, electric current is divided into 2 (two) categories, namely:

Direct Current (DC), where this current flows from a high potential point to a low potential point.

Alternating Current (AC), where this current flows alternately along the timeline.

Alternating Current

Alternating current is an electric current that has the direction of the current which varies back and forth. The nature of alternating current is different from direct current whose direction of current does not vary with time. The waveform of an alternating current is usually in the form of a sinusoidal wave which allows efficient energy flow.

Direct current  

Direct current is an electric current whose value does not change. The direction of flow of electric current is only positive or only negative. Direct current is defined as an electric current which has a fixed or constant value with respect to unit time. This value is viewed from the flow of electric current at different times and will always get the same value.

The difference between ac and dc currents

Alternating Current

1. This AC current is safe for transferring electricity over a long distance and can also provide more power when transferring the current

2. AC current will reverse direction when it flows in a circuit

3. Types of ac currents are rectangular, sinusodial, triangular, and also trapezoidal

Direct Current

1. DC currents cannot travel far enough because these dc currents will start to weaken and lose energy as they get further away

2. DC current is still flowing in one direction with the circuit

3. The type of dc current is pulse or it can be called pure