Question

Mention the advantage of alternating current over direct current.

Answer 1

The given question is based on the concept of types of current, that is, alternating current and the direct current. We will make use of some of the parameters such as the direction, current, source, frequency, power factor and the features of the current to define the difference between the types of current.

Complete answer:
The difference between the alternating current and the direct current is given as follows. The difference is given in terms of the parameters. So, we have:

The waveforms of AC and DC are as follows:

$\bullet$ Direction – The alternating current reverses its direction while flowing through the circuit, where the direct current flows in only one direction while flowing through the circuit.

$\bullet$ Current – The alternating current has the time varying magnitude, whereas, the direct current has a constant magnitude.

$\bullet$ Source – The source of the alternating current is A.C. generator, whereas, the source of the direct current is cell or battery.

$\bullet$ Types – The types of the alternating current are sinusoidal, trapezoidal, triangular and square, whereas, the types of the direct current are pure and pulsating.

$\bullet$ Frequency – The frequency of the alternating current is 50 Hz or 60 Hz, whereas, the frequency of the direct current is 0.

$\bullet$ Power factor – The power factor of the alternating current lies between 0 and 1, whereas, the power factor of the direct current is always 1.

$\bullet$ The flow of electrons – The electrons keep switching directions in alternating current, whereas, the electrons move in one direction in direct current.

Hence the difference between the alternating current and the direct current.

Note:
While solving questions like these, that is, a theoretical question, we need to define the differences in terms of the terms used to define the features of the types of current. Even we have to discuss the subtypes of these currents as the difference.