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AC vs. DC Current
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Direction of Flow
AC periodically reverses direction, while DC flows in one direction constantly.
Voltage Variation
AC voltage can vary with time, typically in a sinusoidal manner, while DC voltage remains constant.
Electromagnetic Interference
AC can cause fluctuating electromagnetic fields, which may induce currents in nearby conductors, while DC causes steady magnetic fields.
Transmission Distance
AC is more suited for long-distance transmission due to the ability to use transformers, while DC suffers more power loss over long distances without complex systems.
Usage in Appliances
AC is commonly used in household mains electricity, while DC is typically used in battery-powered and low-voltage devices.
Current Magnitude at a Point
In AC, the current at a point varies with time while in DC, the current at a point is constant.
Power Factor
AC circuits can have a power factor less than one due to phase differences between voltage and current, whereas DC circuits inherently have a power factor of one.
Safety and Handling
AC can be more dangerous due to the potentials of higher voltages and the fact that it can cause muscles to contract, but DC can also be dangerous at high voltages or currents.
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