What is the difference between AC and DC current?
Quick answer
In direct current (DC), charge flows in one constant direction — for example, from a battery. The voltage stays steady over time.
In alternating current (AC), the direction of flow reverses periodically and the voltage varies sinusoidally with time. Household mains supply is AC (50 Hz in India), because AC is easy to step up or down with transformers, making long-distance transmission efficient.
DC is used in electronics and anything battery-powered; AC is used for power distribution and most home appliances.
Still have a doubt?
Ask Synapse's AI tutor any question — by text or photo — and get a step-by-step solution instantly, free.
Ask your doubt free →