Alternating current

Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electric current in which the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. This is in contrast to direct current (DC), where the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. AC is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences. The usual waveform of an AC power circuit is a sine wave, as this results in the most efficient transmission of energy.

History

The first practical use of AC power systems was by Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Edison, a proponent of DC, was initially against the idea of AC. However, Tesla's work in the field of AC led to its widespread adoption, especially after the War of Currents in the late 1880s.

Principles

In an AC circuit, the magnitude and direction of voltage and current vary sinusoidally. This allows for the transmission of energy over long distances with less loss than with DC. The frequency of the AC in most countries is either 50 or 60 Hz, depending on the standards of the country.

Applications

AC is used in most residential and commercial buildings. It is also used in the transmission of energy from power plants to consumers. Other applications include electric motors, fluorescent lights, and televisions.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of AC is that it can be easily transformed to different voltages, allowing for efficient transmission over long distances. However, AC systems can be more complex to design and maintain than DC systems.

See Also

• Direct current
• Electric power transmission
• Electricity
• Nikola Tesla
• Thomas Edison
• War of Currents