Electricity is a phenomenal invention that greatly transformed the world. It lights up our homes, fuels our workplaces, energizes factories, and even drives our vehicles. One of the key advancements in electricity is the introduction of alternating current (AC).
AC is a special kind of electric current that changes its direction periodically. This discovery greatly redefined how we consume electricity.
Key Features
- Alternating current (AC) periodically changes its direction, unlike direct current (DC) which flows continuously in one direction.
- The rhythmic reversal of AC means electrons in a circuit switch direction consistently, creating a wave-like pattern.
- The frequency of AC's oscillation between positive and negative phases is measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Standard frequencies for AC globally are typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the region.
- AC can easily be transformed in terms of voltage using transformers, making it ideal for long-distance electricity transmission.
- The adaptability of AC voltage levels minimizes energy losses during transmission.
- AC is the primary form of electricity for homes, businesses, and most commercial applications due to its advantages in distribution and device compatibility.
- Most electrical devices are designed to operate on a specific AC frequency, ensuring regional compatibility.
Historical Background
While both Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla were geniuses of their time, their 'War of the Currents' is the stuff of legend. Edison's staunch support for DC and Tesla's backing of AC resulted in a fervent battle of ideologies and technologies. Despite the initial lead DC had, thanks to Edison's inventions and influence, it was the transformative nature of AC, as proposed by Tesla and backed by industrialist George Westinghouse, that made it the preferred choice for electric power transmission across vast distances.
The invention of AC is credited to Nikola Tesla,
Tesla made significant contributions to this technology in the late 19th century. Today, AC powers the majority of electric appliances and devices we use daily, such as lights, TVs, computers, and fridges.
An alternating Current is generated by a machine known as an alternator. An alternator is a type of electrical generator that produces alternating current.
The alternator is composed of a fixed wire coil called a stator and a rotating wire coil named a rotor. When the rotor rotates, it creates a magnetic field which in turn induces a current in the stator coil.
![Alternator]( "Alternator")
The alternating current generated by the alternator is transmitted to a transformer. The transformer's role is to either increase or decrease the voltage of the AC. For transmission over long distances, the voltage is increased, and for household and building usage, it is decreased.