Physics 12.5.2a - DC and AC

From the Physics course by Derek Owens. High school level. Distance learning courses are available at http://www.derekowens.com

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Education

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• Physics
• current
• electric current
• alternating current
• direct current
• AC
• DC
• homeschool
• distance learning
• Derek Owens

[will34uk]

Would you not need to convert it to DC in a fan else the motor would go back and forth??

[derekowens]

@will34uk Correct! There are AC motors, but I cannot explain the details. Most electronic devices in your home use DC current, and they have a transformer in them that converts the AC from the wall to DC at the correct voltage.

[saurabhinorange]

i have an question how does this back forth movement actually help ?

[derekowens]

@saurabhinorange The alternating current is much easier to produce, and much MUCH cheaper to transmit long distances.

[captaindory]

This is the basic question I haven't gotten an answer to. If the current goes back and forth how does it get anywhere? I know this is really basic, but I don't understand the concept of going back and forth if they are supposed to be flowing.

THank you

[derekowens]

@captaindory The electrons don't actually go anywhere. They just move one direction for 1/60 of a second, and then the opposite direction.  So they just shake back and forth, but they deliver some energy with each of these motions, so energy gets transferred from the power plant to your house.

[sayedwaqarh]

how can equal dc to ac like if 24v dc to how 24-0-24

[Na5iR1]

WOW...you make things so easy to understand...thx from Australia

[bradmottram]

nz is 230v at 50Hz