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Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary EducationSSLC (English Medium) Class 9

Alternating current (AC) and Direct Current (DC)

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Topics

  • Definition: Direct Current (DC)
  • Definition: Alternating Current (AC)
Maharashtra State Board: Class 10

Direct Current (DC)

Electric current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit. Based on the nature of this flow, current is classified into Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC).

  • DC flows in a single direction and has a constant voltage.
  • It is non-oscillatory, meaning it does not change its direction over time.
  • It can increase, remain stable, or decrease over time but does not alternate.

Sources of DC:

  • Batteries
  • Solar cells
  • Fuel cells
  • DC generators

Uses of DC:

  • Mobile phones, flashlights, laptops
  • Electric vehicles
  • Electronic devices

Graphical Representation of DC:

  • A straight line in a graph represents steady DC.
  • A sloped or stepped line represents increasing or decreasing DC.

AC current and DC current

Alternating current and Direct current (Graphical)

Maharashtra State Board: Class 10

Alternating Current (AC)

  • Alternating Current (AC) changes its direction and magnitude periodically over time.
  • It follows a sinusoidal waveform, moving forward and backward at equal time intervals.
  • The number of cycles per second is measured in Hertz (Hz).
  • In India, AC frequency is 50 Hz (i.e., 50 cycles per second).
  • AC is preferred for power transmission over long distances due to minimal power loss.

Sources of AC:

  • Power plants (electricity generation stations)
  • Alternators and dynamos
  • AC generators

Uses of AC:

  • Home electricity supply
  • Refrigerators, washing machines, televisions
  • Large industries and power stations

Graphical Representation of AC:

  • AC follows a sinusoidal wave (S-shaped curve).
  • The current moves above and below the zero line, indicating periodic change in direction.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 10

Differences Between AC and DC

Feature Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC)
Direction of Flow Changes periodically Flows in one direction
Voltage Variation Varies sinusoidally Remains constant or changes steadily
Power Transmission It can be transmitted over long distances with minimal power loss It cannot be transmitted efficiently over long distances
Frequency 50 Hz (India), 60 Hz (some countries) Zero frequency
Electron Movement Moves back and forth periodically Moves in one direction
Generation Produced by alternators and generators Generated by batteries, solar cells, and DC generators
Usage It is used in household electricity, industries, and power stations It is used in batteries, mobile phones, laptops, and electronic devices
Graphical Representation Sinusoidal wave (~) Straight or dotted line (—)
Maharashtra State Board: Class 10

Definition: Direct Current (DC)

Direct current is a non-oscillatory current that flows in one direction in a circuit, from the cell to the cell.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 10

Definition: Alternating Current (AC)

Alternating current is a current that changes in magnitude and direction after equal intervals of time.

Shaalaa.com | Alternating current part 2 (AC vs DC : Direct Current)

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Alternating current part 2 (AC vs DC : Direct Current) [00:09:49]
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