Physics

• Types of current


  • Alternating current (AC)
  • Direct current (DC)
• Alternating current (AC)


  The direction of the current is constantly swapping back and forth, so the charge flows in one direction then the other direction and back again
• Alternating potential difference or alternating voltage


  A potential difference or voltage that fluctuates between positive and negative
• Alternating potential difference or voltage


  Leads to alternating current
• In the UK, all main supply electricity is AC, specifically 50 hertz and around 240 volts
• The potential difference fluctuates from positive 240 volts to negative 240 volts and back again 50 times every second
• The current will also fluctuate at the same rate as the potential difference
• The voltage can be either 230 volts or 240 volts in the UK, both are correct
• Direct current (DC)


  The charge is always flowing in the same direction, produced by a direct potential difference which is either positive or negative the entire time
• Oscilloscope


  A device used to display potential difference vs time graphs