Science Common Sense

1697 - What are the differences between DC and AC in voltage and current?

Imagine water flowing through a pipe.

DC (Direct Current) is like water flowing in one direction only (from the start to the end of the pipe). - DC voltage is the 'pressure' of the water in the pipe, making it flow. - DC current is the amount of water flowing through the pipe.

AC (Alternating Current) is like water flowing back and forth in the pipe (one second from start to end, the next second from end to start). - AC voltage is the 'pressure' of the water that changes, making it go back and forth. - AC current is the amount of water flowing back and forth through the pipe.

Think of a battery powering a toy: it uses DC. A plug in a wall socket at home uses AC because it's safer and can travel longer distances.