Main content

Direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac)

A demonstration of the difference between direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac). With a battery, the electrical charge flows one way only. This is called direct current. With mains electricity, the charge flows back and forth. This is called alternating current. In Britain, the charge changes direction fifty times every second, so the frequency is 50 Hertz.

Release date:

Duration:

31 seconds

This clip is from