dc and ac supply

• What is another name for direct current?

  DC
• What is another name for alternating current?

  AC
• What does direct current (DC) mean?

  Current flows in one direction only
• What is the key feature of alternating current (AC)?

  Current constantly changes direction
• Why is alternating current (AC) beneficial for electricity transmission?

  Transformers easily adjust AC potential difference
• How many times does AC switch direction in the UK?

  50 times a second
• What is the frequency of AC in the UK?

  50 hertz
• What is the potential difference of mains electricity in the UK?

  230 volts
• What does an oscilloscope do?

  It visualizes electrical current patterns
• What does the height of the peak on an oscilloscope trace indicate?

  Maximum potential difference
• How can you determine the potential difference from an oscilloscope trace?

  By measuring the height of the peak
• How does a direct current (DC) oscilloscope trace appear?

  Potential difference remains constant