Why is Alternating Current Used over Direct Current?

Both alternating and direct current flow in a circuit; while the electric current flows in a single direction in direct current or DC, the electric current flow direction changes at regular intervals in alternating current or AC. AC also requires a simple production process and is thoroughly economical. The energy transmission over long distances is low waste and very efficient, so it is preferred over DC.

Alternating Current 

• In AC, the magnitude and the flow of current change in direction. 
• The direction of voltage also changes periodically.
• AC requires a straightforward production process and is thoroughly economical.
• The energy transmission over long distances is low waste and efficient
• AC flow is like a sine wave pattern.

Direct Current 

• Here the electrons flow from the negative pole to the positive pole.
• The electric current in the circuit flows in one direction only.
• The current can flow through wires as well as semiconductors.
• One of the DC sources is batteries.
• In a battery, electrical energy is converted from chemical energy. 
• A multimeter measures the DC.
• The DC flows in one direction.

Is Alternating Current Safer than Direct Current? 

Electric currents, in general, are dangerous to the human body. When a human comes in contact with an electric current, it results in the entire body jerking up. This can lead to heart attacks as well as death. When compared, humans have a higher tolerance to DC than AC, so they can withstand a DC shock rather than an AC one which can prove fatal. However, people who experience an electric shock through DC cannot pull their hands away from the source as the DC flows continuously. In the case of AC, people can disconnect from the source when the current changes to 0, which is one of the reasons why alternating current might be considered safer than direct current.

Which Current is Better to Use and Why? 

DC can come from several sources, like batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, and a few alternators that are modified for DC use. DC power is considered more consistent in terms of voltage delivery. Many electronics use DC power sources as batteries. Electronic devices convert AC power from the outlets to DC power with a rectifier built into the power supply of a device. 

Why is AC advantageous over DC? Household devices and appliances use AC power supply because they require a continuous flow of electricity. After all, DC is unable to provide electricity at longer distances.

AC in buildings and offices is vital because DC power supplies cannot travel long distances. The wastage of electricity in the form of heat is also reduced in transmission processes from power plants to commercial areas when using AC. Generation of AC is also easier as compared to DC. This is because of the AC generators’ rotating mechanism, which makes them easier to use and extremely cheap. 

AC is also used to charge the DC batteries that store the electrical energy in chemical energy. The frequency of AC is 50 to 60Hz, depending on the country. The direct current frequency is 0 as it flows in a single direction. So, it is easy to shut down the AC while the power is flowing. AC can be used without worrying about the positive and negative poles in the circuit, unlike DC, where a difference in pole will cause the circuit not to work.

Conclusion

There are various reasons why alternating current is preferred over direct current. In direct current, the electric current flows in a single direction, whereas in alternating current, the electric current flow direction changes at regular intervals. AC requires a straightforward production process and is thoroughly economical. The energy transmission over long distances is low waste and very efficient. Another significant advantage of AC over DC is that it is easier to manage in case of contact with living beings.