What is the Difference Between AC and DC?

When I first became passionate about electronics, distinguishing between AC and DC was quite challenging. So here in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about these two terms.

What is AC?

AC stands for alternating current. It’s a type of electric flow where electrons change direction periodically, going back and forth in a fraction of a second. AC is commonly generated by power plants and alternators to our wall sockets where the direction of electric flow reverses rapidly back and forth, usually at the rate of 50 or 60 times per second measured in Hertz.

If you’re new to electronics, it’s best to start with DC power. AC power is more for homes and big machines, not for small electronic projects. By learning about DC power basics like voltage, current, and resistance, you can build a strong foundation for understanding electronic circuits and devices. This knowledge will be very helpful as you keep exploring this exciting field.

What is DC?

DC stands for Direct Current, it’s a type of electric flow where electrons flow steadily in one direction, it is typically generated by batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, where electrons flow from negative terminal to positive terminal. DC finds its niche in smaller electronic devices like smartphones and laptops.

AC vs DC in Circuits

You usually need DC to power most things in electronics. I’ve never had the need for a power supply that outputs AC. But you might find that you have AC in parts of your circuit. For example in audio circuits, radio circuits, or in power supplies.

How to Transform AC to DC?

Most electronic circuits need DC power. If you don’t have a battery, you can convert the power from your wall sockets to DC. AC can be changed to DC using a device called a rectifier. A rectifier transforms alternating current (AC into direct current (DC). Rectifiers are widely used in electronics and power supply systems to turn AC power from outlets into DC power for electronic devices. There are different types of rectifiers, such as half-wave rectifiers, full-wave rectifiers, and bridge rectifiers, each with its own way of converting AC to DC. Once the AC is turned into DC through rectification, it can be further adjusted or prepared using other electronic parts like capacitors and voltage regulators to ensure a strong and reliable power supply for various applications, such as electronic devices, power tools, and industrial machinery.