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?

1. 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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2. 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inventions, particular the famous but now outdated incandescent bulb.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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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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7. 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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8. 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.
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