Alternating and Direct Current (AC/DC)

• What are the two types of current mentioned?

  Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC)
• How does alternating current (AC) behave?

  The direction of the current constantly swaps
• What causes alternating currents to occur?

  Using an alternating potential difference or voltage
• What does measuring potential difference over time show in AC?

  It fluctuates between negative and positive
• What type of current is supplied by UK mains electricity?

  Alternating current (AC)
• What is the frequency of UK mains electricity?

  50 hertz
• What is the voltage of UK mains electricity?

  Around 240 volts
• How does the potential difference fluctuate in UK mains electricity?

  From positive 240 volts to negative 240 volts
• How many times does the potential difference fluctuate every second in UK mains electricity?

  50 times every second
• What is the alternative voltage sometimes referred to in the UK?

  230 volts
• What is direct current (DC) produced by?

  A direct potential difference that is constant
• How does the charge flow in direct current (DC)?

  Always in the same direction
• Where do we commonly find direct current (DC)?

  In cells and batteries
• What devices are used to obtain potential difference time graphs?

  Oscilloscopes
• What are the key characteristics of alternating current (AC)?

  • Direction constantly swaps
  • Produced by alternating voltage
  • Fluctuates between positive and negative
  • Commonly used in mains electricity
• What are the key characteristics of direct current (DC)?

  • Charge flows in the same direction
  • Produced by direct voltage
  • Found in batteries and cells
• What is the significance of oscilloscopes in electrical measurements?

  • Display potential difference time graphs
  • Help visualize AC and DC characteristics