War of Currents

WAR OF CURRENTS
The main difference between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) is the direction in which the
electrons flow. Alternating current is the best way to transmit electricity over large distances, while direct current
always flows in a certain direction.
ELECTROSTATICS
"Visible" electric field:
The visible light spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Simply
put, this range of wavelengths is known as visible light. The human eye can detect wavelengths ranging from 380 to
700 nanometers. The light that we see is a component of the electromagnetic spectrum. This visible portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum includes the colors seen in a rainbow, ranging from reds and oranges to blues and purples.
Each of these colors represents a different wavelength of light.
Work done is Conservative:
Work done by a conservative force equals a negative change in the system's potential energy. If the work done in
moving a body between two points is independent of the path taken, the force acting on the body is referred to as
conservative force. For example, consider gravitational and electrostatic forces.
INDUCED ELECTRIC FIELD €
"Invisible" electric field vectors:
An electric field is measured in volts per meter (V/m) is an invisible force field created by the attraction and
repulsion of electrical charges (the cause of electric flow). The intensity of the electric field decreases as one moves
away from the source.
Work done is nonconservative:
A nonconservative force is one for which work depends on the path taken. These forces take energy away from the
system as the system progresses, energy that you can't get back. These forces are path dependent therefore, it matters
where the object starts and stops. Examples of nonconservative forces include friction, air resistance/drag, and push-
pull forces. Friction, for example, acts opposite the object's relative motion. It is a nonconservative force because it
is path-dependent and reduces the mechanical energy of the system.
ALTERNATING CURRECT
Produced by magnetic induction:
What is magnetic induction?

The process by which a magnetic substance acquires magnetic properties temporarily due to the presence of a
magnet close to it, is known as magnetic induction. Explanation: When a magnet is placed closer to an iron piece
without touching it, the iron piece behaves like a magnet. Alternating current is produced when the magnet or coil is
moved back and forth repeatedly. Electric generators and transformers generate electricity or change the voltage of
an electric current using electromagnetic induction.
Can travel farther:
Alternating current travel over long distances.

By exploring the differences between alternating and direct current, we can see why AC current is the preferred
method for transporting power over long distances. It loses less power while traveling and can be converted to lower
voltages more easily. The wave-like motion of AC power gives this electricity form an advantage over DC power.
Because it moves in waves, this electricity format can travel farther than DC power.
How does alternating current travel?
In alternating current, the electrons don't move in only one direction. Instead, they hop from atom to atom in one
direction for a while, and then turn around and hop from atom to atom in the opposite direction. Every so often, the
electrons change direction.
Unstable:
An alternating current does not have a constant value. Its value is always changing. This means the amount of
charge flowing past a point in the circuit changes over time. More specifically, alternating current periodically
reverses direction.
DIRECT CURRENT
Produced by chemical reactions, creating singular current:
Direct Current is a chemically produced constant, even-flowing current that travels in one direction. For example,
Batteries, it produces direct current, which is used by flashlights, mobile phones, and cordless hairstyling tools.
Cannot travel long distances:
Since there was no way to increase the voltage of DC electricity before transmission, DC electricity couldn't travel
very far without major losses, making DC systems inferior to AC systems.
How does DC current travel?
Direct current is fairly straightforward. DC power strictly flows in one direction. That means the electrons get
pushed in from the power generator and keep going forward through the wire until it gets to your device, does its
work, then continues through the outlet to complete its circuit.
Stable:
A dc power system is said to be locally stable about an operating point if the system voltages and currents vary only
at the forcing frequencies associated with the switching of the power semiconductors and that the average values of
these variables is such that all power converters are operating properly. Since direct current is more stable,
companies are finding ways of using high voltage direct current (HVDC) to transport electricity long distances with
less electricity loss.

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WAR OF CURRENTS

"Visible" electric field:

Work done is Conservative:

INDUCED ELECTRIC FIELD €

"Invisible" electric field vectors:

Work done is nonconservative:

Produced by magnetic induction:

What is magnetic induction?

Can travel farther:

Alternating current travel over long distances.

How does alternating current travel?

Produced by chemical reactions, creating singular current:

Cannot travel long distances:

How does DC current travel?

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