Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic of Alternating Current (AC)?
What is a primary characteristic of Alternating Current (AC)?
- Its flow direction changes periodically. (correct)
- It loses power over short distances.
- It flows in one direction constantly.
- It is used exclusively in batteries.
Which of the following devices predominantly uses Direct Current (DC)?
Which of the following devices predominantly uses Direct Current (DC)?
- Refrigerators
- Electric motors
- Cellphones (correct)
- Washing machines
What unit is used to measure the frequency of electrical cycles in AC?
What unit is used to measure the frequency of electrical cycles in AC?
- Amperes
- Watts
- Hertz (correct)
- Volts
What is a key benefit of using Alternating Current for power transmission?
What is a key benefit of using Alternating Current for power transmission?
In which situation would Direct Current (DC) commonly be used?
In which situation would Direct Current (DC) commonly be used?
What waveform typically represents Alternating Current?
What waveform typically represents Alternating Current?
Which statement is true about the difference between AC and DC?
Which statement is true about the difference between AC and DC?
What primarily influences the direction change in Alternating Current?
What primarily influences the direction change in Alternating Current?
What is a disadvantage of Direct Current compared to Alternating Current?
What is a disadvantage of Direct Current compared to Alternating Current?
Which of the following is a typical application of Alternating Current?
Which of the following is a typical application of Alternating Current?
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Study Notes
Alternating Current (AC)
- Alternating current periodically changes the direction of electric charge flow.
- AC is the preferred power source for household appliances, offices, and buildings.
- First tested in 1832 based on Michael Faraday's principles using a Dynamo Electric Generator.
- Identified by a sine wave waveform, representing electric cycles measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Generating and transporting AC over long distances is efficient, minimizing energy loss.
- Powers various electric motors found in appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.
Direct Current (DC)
- Direct current flows in a single direction, maintaining steady voltage without periodic changes.
- Primarily used to power electrical devices and charge batteries.
- Common applications include mobile phone batteries, flashlights, flat-screen TVs, and electric vehicles.
- Represented by a straight line or a combination of plus and minus signs.
- Devices powered by batteries or using AC adapters that plug into a wall rely on DC.
Differences between AC and DC
- AC can be transmitted over long distances with minimal energy loss; DC struggles with distance due to power loss.
- AC's direction of flow changes with rotating magnets; DC's flow is steady and unidirectional due to constant magnetism.
- AC frequency varies by country (commonly 50 Hz or 60 Hz); DC is characterized by zero frequency.
- AC experiences periodic direction changes; DC maintains a consistent flow in one direction.
- In AC, electrons oscillate backward and forward; in DC, electrons move steadily forward.
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