What is the full form of AC?

AC: Alternating Current

AC stands for Alternating Current. It refers to a current in which the movement of an electric charge changes direction periodically. In other words, alternating current changes its direction and magnitude periodically, i.e., it starts from 0 grows to maximum, returns to 0 and again grows to the maximum in the opposite direction and then again reaches the original value of 0. Nikola Tesla was the inventor of AC Current.

This cycle is repeated continuously as long as the AC is flowing in the circuit. Alternating Current is different from direct current (DC) as DC flows only in one direction. The generation and transmission of AC are very easy as compared to DC. So, it is the AC that is used in mains-wired buildings such as homes, offices, factories and other buildings.

AC is also used in electric motors that convert electric energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors are present in various electrical appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, etc.

Alternating Current Production:

AC can be generated by using devices that are known as alternators. However, there are also different methods to generate AC by using various circuits. Besides this, one of the easiest ways to produce AC is by using a single coil AC generator that comprises two-pole magnets and a single loop of rectangle-shaped wire. In this method, AC is produced based on Faraday's principle of electromagnetic induction in which mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.

Meanwhile, three wires are utilized to deliver AC to various types of equipment. The following is the list:

• The power is transmitted using the hot wire.
• The neutral wire, which is connected to the ground, acts as a return path for the current in the hot wire.
• The metallic components of the apparatus are connected to the third wire, which is likewise connected to the ground, primarily to eliminate the risk of electric shock.

Application of Alternating Current

The most common type of current used in various appliances is AC. A few alternating current examples are audio signals, radio signals, etc. Alternating current has many advantages over direct current because it can carry electricity across long distances with little energy loss.

Because it is much simpler to produce and deliver AC across long distances, it is primarily used in homes and offices. Transformers, make it simple to convert AC to and from high voltages. Electric motors that further transform electrical energy into mechanical energy can also be driven by AC. As a result, AC is also used in numerous major appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and many more.

Advantages of Alternating Current I Advantages of AC over DC

• AC can be transmitted over long distances using step-up transformers but DC cannot be transmitted like this.
• It is cheap and easy to generate and transmit AC than DC.
• The efficiency of the AC generator is higher than DC.
• The loss of power while transmitting AC is very less.
• AC can be converted into DC with the use of rectifiers.
• The magnitude of AC can be decreased without losing much energy.
• Brushes are required in DC motors to make electrical contact with moving coils of wire whereas AC motors do not need them.
• AC causes less disturbance in the nearby communication wires such as telephone lines.
• It is suitable for domestic and industrial applications.
• Besides this, in the AC machine and transformer, the loss of iron and copper is low as alternating current improves the efficiency of AC machines.

Disadvantages of Alternating Current

• Though it is less hazardous than DC, more appealing i.e., in contrast to D.C., which emits a repulsive shock, it draws someone who touches it.
• Working with AC is significantly riskier than with high voltage DC.
• Electrofishing, electroplating, etc. cannot be done with AC.
• Batteries cannot be charged using AC directly.
• Even the smallest carelessness can result in fatal accidents.
• Better insulation is needed because A.C. has a high peak value and is risky to use.
• Since an AC is transferred from the conductor's surface, many strands of thin wire that are isolated from one another are required.