Science Concept: Two Types of Current

There are two types of electric current: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). The electrons in direct current flow in one direction. The current produced by a battery is direct current. The electrons in alternating current flow in one direction, then in the opposite direction—over and over again. In the United States, the current flow alternates 120 times per second. (In Europe it alternates 100 times per second.) The current supplied to your home by the local utility is alternating current.

Previous Science Concept:
How Electricity Travels

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