Question

Nikola Tesla y Thomas Edison are well known for their inventions even though they both had an idealistic war between them. One of them promoted the continuous current (DC) while the other one was more inclined towards the alternating current. Each technique had their pros and cons.

What is the AC current and the DC current? Name the pros and cons of each and which one has the minimal loss of transmission of energy and why?

Answer 1

What is an Alternating Current (AC)?

In alternating current, the electric charges flow changes its direction periodically. AC is the most commonly used and most preferred electric power for household equipment, office, and buildings, etc. It was first tested, based on the principles of Michael Faraday in 1832 using a Dynamo Electric Generator.

Alternating current can be identified in waveform called a sine wave, in other words, it can be said as the curved line. These curved lines represent electric cycles and are measured per second. The measurement is read as Hertz or Hz. AC is used to powerhouses and buildings etc because generating and transporting AC across long distances is relatively easy. AC is capable of powering electric motors which are used on refrigerators, washing machine etc

What is a Direct Current (DC)?

Unlike alternating current, the flow of current in direct current does not change periodically. The current electricity flows in a single direction in a steady voltage. The major use of DC is to supply power for electrical devices and also to charge batteries. For example, mobile phone batteries, flashlights, flat-screen television, hybrid and electric vehicles. DC has the combination of plus and minus sign, a dotted line or a straight line.

Everything that runs on a battery and uses an AC adapter while plugging into a wall or uses a USB cable for power relies on DC. Examples would be Cellphones, Electric vehicles, flashlights, Flat-screen TVs(AC goes into the TV and is converted into DC).