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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALTERNATING CURRENT AND DIRECT CURRENT POWER?

Before we talk about Alternating Current and Direct current, it is essential we talk about what electric current is.

What is Electric current?
Electric current is defined as the flow of electric charge in an electrical circuit. Power is being carried by moving electrons in a wire also called ions in an electrolyte. Since we talked about electric current, we should now move to the types of electrical current that we have.

Types of Electric current
1.    Alternating Current
2.    Direct current

Alternating Current
This describes the movement of flow of charge in a periodically reverse direction.  An alternating voltage is a voltage that is transmitted to business facilities and residences. The typical waveform associated with an Alternating power is known as the sine waves. Other waves related to with Alternating power are triangle waves, square waves, radio waves and Audio signals carried in an electric wire are also called Alternating current.

Direct Current
Unlike the Alternating Current, the Direct current is a unidirectional flow of charge. This is a movement in which charge moves only in one direction. Direct current is present in batteries, solar cells, thermocouples. Direct current can also be created by converting an Alternating Current using a rectifier into a unidirectional flow of charge. It can flow through wires, conductors, semiconductors. They can also flow through insulators but it is not easy like that.
 
Difference between alternating current and Direct current
We’ve discussed the Alternating Current and Direct Current, so discussing the differences is very straightforward.
  • Alternating current is the flow of charge in a periodically reverse direction (to and fro) while Direct Current is unidirectional flow of charge either forward or backward.
  • Regarding waveform, Alternating current displays either sine wave, triangle wave or square wave depending on the circuit while DC only display a straight horizontal line when a voltage is plotted against time.
  • Regarding energy that can be transmitted, an alternating circuit is safe to be transferred over a long distance and will provide more power. In the case of Direct current, technically, the voltage of DC cannot travel very far until it begins to lose energy.
  • In terms of the Frequency, Alternating Current will either be 50Hz or 60Hz depending on the location while for Direct current, the resonating frequency is zero
  • Source: Alternating current is generated for an AC generator while Direct Current is generated from a battery or cell.
  • Talking about Power factor, Power factor is defined as the ratio of the real power moving to the load to the apparent power in the circuit. With this definition, the difference between alternating current and Direct Current regarding power factor is that for Alternating Current, the power factor lies between zero and one while in a Direct Current, it will be pulsating and pure.
The significant difference between Alternating current and Direct Current is the flow of Charge. If you are looking to install new electrical devices or appliances, it's best to hire an experienced electrician to ensure all your new purchases are installed correctly. Typing Electrician Dripping Springs in for a quick search will make sure that you find our company.





 
Tejas Electric
512-858-7689
2799 W. Highway 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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Location: 2799 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA

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