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Faizan
Electricity requires a complete circuit in order to travel in a current and provide energy to devices. Circuits can be divided into two broad types, depending on the type of electrical current they carry: alternating current (AC) circuits and direct current (DC) circuits. Each type of circuit has its applications. Devices are designed to only work with one type of circuit; attempting to plug a DC device into an AC circuit will destroy the device.
How DC circuits work
Direct current has a single direction of flow resulting from a constant polarity on each terminal of the power source. One terminal of the power source is designated as positive and the other is designated as negative. The positive terminal has a greater concentration of electrons, or particles that normally carry electrical charge. In DC power sources such as batteries, the internal resistance prevents backflow; in larger DC systems, valve-like devices known as diodes allow electricity to flow in only one direction. A wire attaches to the positive terminal and goes from there to a load — the item to be powered. Another wire comes from the opposite side of the load and re-connects to the power supply at the negative terminal. Electricity always flows in one direction along a direct current, from positive to negative.
How AC circuits work
AC circuits have one main difference from DC circuits: the polarities constantly reverse. This causes the direction of the current to reverse. In North America, most AC circuits have a frequency of 60 hertz, meaning they alternate direction 60 times per second. The rotation of an insulated wire coil between two oppositely charged magnets produces alternating current. Magnetic inductor coils, also known as solenoids, are sometimes placed along an AC circuit. The magnetic field created by electrical current induces electrical inertia and opposes the change in current. Voltage and current in an AC circuit are said to have a phase difference, meaning voltage may reach its positive peak as current approaches zero.
Uses for DC circuits
DC circuits typically are used for smaller devices. High voltages are necessary to transmit direct current over long distances. The amount of electrical pressure, or voltage, along a DC circuit drops as the conductor's length increases because friction of electrons causes their electric potential energy to dissipate as heat. According to Georgia Technical College, DC can travel half a mile before undergoing voltage drop. DC is used for low-voltage currents or for devices that use batteries. Batteries can only produce direct current. Electrical systems in cars use DC.
Uses for AC circuits
AC circuits are used primarily in long-distance electricity transfer and for more sophisticated electrical applications. AC is the type of electrical circuit in common household electrical systems for everything from dishwashers to lamps. The electrons in an AC circuit move a relatively short distance compared to electrons on a DC circuit; they continually move back and forth. The electrical field passes from electron to electron until it reaches the component load. This reduces voltage drop across long distances, making AC practical for the extensive power grid that supplies electricity to homes and businesses.
How DC circuits work
Direct current has a single direction of flow resulting from a constant polarity on each terminal of the power source. One terminal of the power source is designated as positive and the other is designated as negative. The positive terminal has a greater concentration of electrons, or particles that normally carry electrical charge. In DC power sources such as batteries, the internal resistance prevents backflow; in larger DC systems, valve-like devices known as diodes allow electricity to flow in only one direction. A wire attaches to the positive terminal and goes from there to a load — the item to be powered. Another wire comes from the opposite side of the load and re-connects to the power supply at the negative terminal. Electricity always flows in one direction along a direct current, from positive to negative.
How AC circuits work
AC circuits have one main difference from DC circuits: the polarities constantly reverse. This causes the direction of the current to reverse. In North America, most AC circuits have a frequency of 60 hertz, meaning they alternate direction 60 times per second. The rotation of an insulated wire coil between two oppositely charged magnets produces alternating current. Magnetic inductor coils, also known as solenoids, are sometimes placed along an AC circuit. The magnetic field created by electrical current induces electrical inertia and opposes the change in current. Voltage and current in an AC circuit are said to have a phase difference, meaning voltage may reach its positive peak as current approaches zero.
Uses for DC circuits
DC circuits typically are used for smaller devices. High voltages are necessary to transmit direct current over long distances. The amount of electrical pressure, or voltage, along a DC circuit drops as the conductor's length increases because friction of electrons causes their electric potential energy to dissipate as heat. According to Georgia Technical College, DC can travel half a mile before undergoing voltage drop. DC is used for low-voltage currents or for devices that use batteries. Batteries can only produce direct current. Electrical systems in cars use DC.
Uses for AC circuits
AC circuits are used primarily in long-distance electricity transfer and for more sophisticated electrical applications. AC is the type of electrical circuit in common household electrical systems for everything from dishwashers to lamps. The electrons in an AC circuit move a relatively short distance compared to electrons on a DC circuit; they continually move back and forth. The electrical field passes from electron to electron until it reaches the component load. This reduces voltage drop across long distances, making AC practical for the extensive power grid that supplies electricity to homes and businesses.
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