From the course: Electronics Foundations: Basic Circuits
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Alternating current vs. direct current
From the course: Electronics Foundations: Basic Circuits
Alternating current vs. direct current
- There are two types of electricity that are commonly used to power electronic devices, direct current and alternating current. Direct current, which is abbreviated as DC, is current that always flows in the same direction through a circuit. Batteries are a common source of direct current because they produce a constant voltage, which pushes electrons around a circuit in one direction. For example, in this circuit consisting of a battery and a light bulb, the current will always flow from the positive terminal of the battery to the negative terminal. And as those flowing electrons pass through the light bulb, their electrical energy is converted into heat and light. And circuits that use alternating current, which is abbreviated as AC, the current is constantly changing direction at a regular interval. Wall outlets are a common source of alternating current. The voltage between the two terminals of a power outlet is not…
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