Key Differences Between AC and DC Power Systems

1. Voltage Type:

   • AC: Alternating current, or AC, has a voltage that changes in a wave pattern. Common levels are 120 volts or 230 volts.
   • DC: Direct current, or DC, has a steady voltage. This usually ranges from 1.5 volts (like in batteries) to many hundreds of volts in factories.

2. Frequency:

   • AC: AC has standard frequencies, which are 50Hz or 60Hz. This means it changes direction 50 or 60 times every second.
   • DC: DC has no frequency, which means it stays constant at 0 Hz.

3. Current Flow:

   • AC: In AC, the current changes direction back and forth.
   • DC: In DC, the current flows in only one direction.

4. Transmission Efficiency:

   • AC: AC is great for sending electricity over long distances without losing much power. It can use transformers to help with this.
   • DC: DC can lose more power over long distances. It works better for short distances and specific uses, like in electronics.

5. Applications:

   • AC: AC is used in our homes and in industries to power machines and appliances.
   • DC: DC is often found in devices that run on batteries and in systems that use renewable energy.