Alternating Current
1.0 Introduction
1.0 Introduction
Alternating current (A.C.) is an electric current which periodically reverses polarity whereas the direct current flows only in one direction.
Nowadays the electric current used in our home or offices are alternating current.
A century ago, one of the great technological debates was whether the electrical distribution system should be AC or DC.
George Westing house favored alternating current (A.C.) whereas Thomas Edison favored direct current (D.C.). Finally, the distribution system was adopted to be A.C. due to its advantages over D.C.
Advantages of A.C. are that transformers can be used to step the voltage up or down with A.C. but not with D.C. This was required because low voltage or high current are safer for consumer use but high voltage or low current are best for long distances power transmission to minimize $i^2R$ losses in the cables.
