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  2. What are some examples of alternating currents? | Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/what-are-some-examples-of-alternating-currents

    The most basic example of an alternating current is generated in a wire loop spinning in a magnetic field. This simple setup represents the fundamental ideas of an AC generator. Current is driven through the loop of wire in one direction and then the other as the magnetic field changes from one direction to the other. A changing magnetic field induces an electric current in a conductor.

  3. Is alternating current better? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/is-alternating-current-better

    It depends on the use of the current. Some devices can only be used with alternating current whilst others can only be used with direct current. So to speak of "better" is not strictly speaking accurate. Computers, mobile phones (cell phones in US), tablets and anything else with a circuit board require direct current. Alternating current cannot be used to power those devices directly. In ...

  4. Why is alternating current used in homes? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/why-is-alternating-current-used-in-homes

    Because it is easier to distribute over large distances with relatively low losses, and it is a bit safer for the same voltage if touched. Alternating current is used in most electricity distribution systems for several reasons, but the most important one is the ease with which it can be transformed from one voltage to another. DC is very much more difficult (and expensive) to do this with ...

  5. How does alternating current differ from direct current?

    socratic.org/questions/how-does-alternating-current-differ-from-direct-current

    Alternating current (AC) is a type of electric current that flows in two directions- forwards and backwards. Direct current (DC) is a type of electric current that only flows in one direction. Uses of alternating current (AC) are in producing and transporting electricity. Nearly every home in the world is powered through the use of AC current. Direct current (DC) is mainly used in batteries ...

  6. Why is alternating current important? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/why-is-alternating-current-important

    Alternating current is important because it's voltage can be stepped up and down as required, thereby reducing power loss during transmission. The value of alternating voltage can be altered in a transformer using desired number of turns in the secondary coil with respect to the primary coil. According to law of conservation of energy, net energy is conserved and as voltage is stepped up ...

  7. How do capacitors work in AC circuits? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/how-do-capacitors-work-in-ac-circuits

    Alternating currents periodically reverse direction and as a result the capacitor plates also change polarity. It is charged and discharged continuously. In an alternating current circuit, due to periodic change of direction and pulsating value of the electric current, the capacitor plates continue to charge and discharge and then get charged with opposite polarity and again getting discharged ...

  8. What does a transformer do to AC voltage? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/what-does-a-transformer-do-to-ac-voltage

    Transformers either step up or step down the voltage of an alternating current. Transformers only work with alternating currents. At the most fundamental level a transformer consists of a primary coil, a secondary coil and an iron core that passes through each coil. The core ensures that the flux through the two coils is linked. The a.c. in the primary coil causes the flux to be continuously ...

  9. AC Circuits - Physics - Socratic

    socratic.org/physics/electromagnetic-induction/ac-circuits-

    Every time we turn on a television set, a stereo system, or any of a multitude of other electric appliances, we call on alternating currents (AC) to provide the power to operate them. Direct current (DC) circuits involve current flowing in one direction. In AC circuits, voltage periodically reverses itself. When the voltage reverses, so does the direction of the current flow. In the most ...

  10. How does alternating current change its direction? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/how-does-alternating-current-change-its-direction

    Think of it as a person cutting a piece of wood with a saw! Obviously it is more complicated than this but I try to make it very simple. Immagine that you are a free electron sitting into a piece of metal...now a magnet passes neat the metal and you (as a charged....particle) feel it and start to follow it! but then the magnet passes and you are now alone at a different point in the metal (you ...

  11. How does alternating current transfer energy? - Socratic

    socratic.org/questions/how-does-alternating-current-transfer-energy

    Whenever there is current, electrons flow (the usual case). Electrons that move carry energy in terms of voltage. Suppose that we want to transfer energy to a resistor in a circuit, The power (which is a good way to express energy) is P=I^2R. For a direct current, the math is simple. For alternating current with peak current I , the effective current becomes Hence the Power transferred is P=0 ...