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a.c and d.c

Alternating current (A.C.) is a type of current that changes direction periodically, with a frequency of 50 Hz and a potential difference of around 230 V in Namibia. In contrast, direct current (D.C.) flows steadily in one direction from positive to negative, produced by electric cells or batteries. The document outlines the fundamental characteristics and differences between A.C. and D.C.

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16 views5 pages

a.c and d.c

Alternating current (A.C.) is a type of current that changes direction periodically, with a frequency of 50 Hz and a potential difference of around 230 V in Namibia. In contrast, direct current (D.C.) flows steadily in one direction from positive to negative, produced by electric cells or batteries. The document outlines the fundamental characteristics and differences between A.C. and D.C.

Uploaded by

maxiendlovu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ALTERNATING AND

DIRECT CURRENT
WHAT IS ALTERNATING CURRENT (Ac)?
An alternating current (a.c.) is defined as:
A current that continuously changes its direction, going back and
forth around a circuit
An alternating current power supply has two identical terminals
that change from positive to negative and back again
The alternating current always travels from the positive terminal
to the negative terminal therefore, the current changes direction
as the polarity of the terminals changes
The frequency of an alternating current is the number of times the
current changes direction back and forth each second.
In the Namibia , mains electricity is an alternating current with a
frequency of 50 Hz and a potential difference of around 230 V
What is DIRECT CURRENT(D.C)?
A direct current (d.c.) is defined as
A steady current, constantly flowing in the same direction
in a circuit, from positive to negative.
The potential difference across a cell in a d.c. circuit is in
one direction only.
The current travels from the positive terminal to the
negative terminal.
A d.c. power supply has a fixed positive terminal and a fixed
negative terminal.
Electric cells, or batteries, produce direct current (d.c.)
Graphs of direct current and alternating current
The summary of the differences between d.c. and a.c.

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