AC and DC current

• 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 current to fluctuate?

  Alternating potential difference or voltage
• What happens to the charge flow in an AC circuit?

  It constantly swaps back and forth
• What is the frequency of the UK main supply electricity?

  50 hertz
• What is the voltage of the UK main supply electricity?

  Around 240 volts
• How does the potential difference fluctuate in the UK main supply?

  From positive 240 volts to negative 240 volts
• Why might you hear the voltage referred to as 230 volts instead of 240 volts in the UK?

  Both values are considered correct
• What is direct current (DC) produced by?

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

  It flows 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 differences between AC and DC?

  • AC: Direction of current swaps constantly
  • DC: Current flows in one direction
  • AC: Found in mains electricity
  • DC: Found in batteries and cells
• What are the characteristics of UK mains electricity?

  • Type: Alternating current (AC)
  • Frequency: 50 hertz
  • Voltage: 240 volts (or 230 volts)
  • Fluctuates between +240V and -240V