First we have to understand AC (alternating current) and DC (Direct current). The main difference between alternating current and direct current is in the direction they flow. Direct current flows constantly in a single direction and alternating current flows back and forth constantly changing its flowing direction and magnitude. Because of this nature the alternating current is more sufficient and can travel long distances without losing any electrical energy.
In alternating current the charged particles starts from zero, increase in maximum, and then return to zero back again. After one positive cycle, the electrons switch to opposite direction, just like a pendulum swinging back and forth. Because of this ability the current is very useful in many fields such as construction sites and manufacturing places.
On the other hand we have direct current which flows only in one direction without changing the direction.
Why Alternating current preferred in households?
Now, lets have a word about why alternating current is used in homes. We we talk about the production of electricity in power plants, over there it is produced in alternating current which is created by big turbines which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. The plants are far away form the cities or area where it has to deliver electricity so, for such long distances alternating current is an idle option to be transmitted through heavy electrical transmission lines.
While because of direct current’s single directional flowing nature, it won’t be able to travel long distances hence it will result in more cost spending, because a current need high voltage to be transmitted, which is done by a step-up transformer. The direct current is not that efficient to be transferred to long distances. Direct current is used in small or less power consumption appliances like mobile phone, led lamp, etc.
History
Many people believe that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity through his famous kite-flying experiments in 1752. Franklin is well-known for tying a key to a kite string during a thunderstorm, demonstrating that static electricity and lightning are essentially the same phenomenon. However, this isn’t the complete story of electricity. The concept of electricity wasn’t discovered all at once; initially, it was linked to light. People sought a cheap and safe way to illuminate their homes, and scientists thought electricity could provide that solution.
A New Kind of Power: The Battery
Creating and using electricity wasn’t straightforward. For a long time, there was no reliable source of electricity for experiments. Finally, in 1800, Italian scientist Alessandro Volta made a significant breakthrough. He soaked paper in saltwater, placed zinc and copper on opposite sides, and observed that the chemical reaction produced an electric current. This was the invention of the first electric cell.
By connecting multiple cells, Volta created a “battery.” In his honor we measure batteries in volts. This provided a safe and dependable source of electricity, making it easier for scientists to study and experiment with electrical concepts.
A Current Begins
English scientist Michael Faraday was the first to realize that an electric current could be generated by moving a magnet through a copper wire. This was an incredible discovery. Today most of the electricity we use is generated in large power plants using magnets and coils of copper wire. Both electric generators and electric motors are based on this principle: a generator converts mechanical energy into electricity, while a motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Conclusion
Therefore that was all about current and its characteristics, with its uses. You might be thinking about how electricity is generated so that is also explained very well in our previous article click here to read that.