AC vs DC

Claimed by Keenan Witsken

The Main Idea

Direct Current, or DC, is the name given to a steady constant current in a circuit that consists of a battery and a type of resistor. DC has a steady flow of electrons through a circuit and is used to power items such as a laptop, iPod, flashlight, radio, and almost any other electronic device. Basically, items that have batteries in them use DC power. Alternating Current, or AC, uses sinusoidally alternating current that flickers at extremely high speeds. This current moves back and forth throughout the object being powered, such as a lamp or a refrigerator.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

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Connectedness

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History

Thomas Edison was the first to come up with DC in the way in which he tried to supply power to towns all over the US and Europe using DC energy sources. Nikola Tesla also wanted to supply energy to the world but through the use of AC rather than DC. Thomas Edison took Nikola Tesla under his wing in the late 1800s and both of these great minds brainstormed great ways to power America. When Thomas Edison started his plan to power towns with DC, Nikola Tesla argued that AC current was a better path to take. After an argument took place, Nikola was fired and Edison continued his plan to provide energy using DC power. Although AC is used to power houses all over the world today, during the late 1800s, it was a huge battle between AC and DC power to decide which energy source should take over. Thomas Edison even created advertisements and spread rumors about how AC currents were far more dangerous and showed this through electrocuting animals using AC. Once it was found that it is much easier to transfer AC long distances, AC became the common household energy source. This is because DC can only be used to power homes and buildings within one mile of the energy plant.

See also

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Further reading

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References

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