Question

What sources produce alternating current?

Answer 1

The alternating current is the type of current which flows in both positive and negative direction. The sources which produce this type of current would consist of components which are rotating in a magnetic field, because a changing magnetic field will produce current of different magnitudes.

Complete step-by-step answer:
An alternating current can be represented by the following diagram. The simplest case is a sine wave oscillating about its mean position representing current which flows in both positive and negative directions.

The devices which can be used to produce alternating current include an AC generator, thermal power generators, nuclear power generators, etc. Out of these, the AC generator is the simplest. The basic working principle of an AC generator is based on the fundamental concept of electromagnetic induction. When a conducting coil is subjected to a changing magnetic field or if it's rotated in a uniform magnetic field, then an electric current is produced in that coil. The purpose of an AC generator is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy which is in the form of alternating current.

Additional Information: The other type of current is direct current. Unlike alternating current, the direct current flows in only one direction. The different sources of direct current include an electric cell, a battery, a DC generator, etc. An AC generator produces alternating current while a DC generator produces direct current.

Note: The electricity supply to our homes is in the form of alternating current because energy loss is less in case of AC. But most of the devices we use work on direct current. Due to this, we need to first convert AC to DC in order to operate those devices.