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Getting to Know More about Direct and Alternating Currents

Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) are two types of electrical flow. The latter was the predecessor of the former. Many years ago, things were powered directly through DC, but now it is AC that electrifies the world? How different are one from the each other? In what way can they complement each other? What are their advantage and disadvantages?

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The Difference between Direct and Alternating Currents

When we think of the two, we have to put into mind two of the greatest inventors: Thomas Alva Edison and Nikola Tesla. Edison is to DC while Tesla is to AC. Edison long used direct current to power his inventions, particular the famous but now outdated incandescent bulb. Tesla utilised the AC to power his inventions, which later served as inspiration for other modern inventions by other inventors.

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DC is the electricity current that flows directly in one direction. It starts at one source (the chemical battery or any source of continuous electrical power) and flows in one direction to the load (the things that is to be powered). It does not switch direction.

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On the other hand, AC is the current that switches direction. At first, it will flow along one way, and next, it goes the other way, thus changing direction. It switches direction all over again, completing 60 cycles per second peaking first in one direction, next dropping to zero, next peaking in another direction, next dropping to zero, and then repeating same process.

DC is electricity produced by batteries, solar cells and adapters that are used to charge mobile phones, PSP and MP3 players. AC is electricity produced by transformers and electronic circuits.

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Powering Electronics

Electronic gadgets need direct current to run, for instance your computer. You plug your computer to a power outlet, which happens to be AC. How can this be possible? A circuit inside your computer will convert the alternating current to lower voltage DC. Electronic devices need a regulated source of voltage so it can work properly, something which AC can do with devices having DC circuits. It is easier to convert AC to DC than the other way round.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternating Current

- AC is electricity coming to our homes through power outlets and transmitted through power lines. This is why AC can work in long distances and in long wires.

- Most appliances and lights are configured to operate on an AC outlet though the devices may have DC circuit.

- You can generate more power from alternating current.

- It is safe distribute AC electricity at home.

- Electrical devices designed for AC are not energy-efficient. That’s why many electronics have DC circuits.

- It is much expensive and wasteful to transform electricity from batteries into AC power outlet, lights, etc.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct Current

- DC provides stable voltages to electronics.

- Less complexities and less energy waste involved when transforming AC electricity into batteries.

- DC systems running on less than 48 volts pose very little risk of electrocution.

- It is expensive to wire large systems that will run on direct current.

- Obtaining direct current from batteries and solar panels would require more batteries to waste and more land to install solar panels.

- Moreover, DC cannot work in long distances, reason why it is not good for general electrical energy distribution.

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The differences each of the two electricity currents has enable them to work in other applications where one cannot suffice. DC power through solar panels can be an efficient way to generate electricity but if you need more of it, you will need more space to install your solar panels. On the other hand, AC electricity can be easily obtained but sometimes is the subject of high electricity costs and fluctuating current.