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ASVAB · General

What is the difference between AC and DC electrical current?

Correct answer

AC (alternating current) periodically reverses direction; DC (direct current) flows in one constant direction

  1. A They are the same
  2. B AC (alternating current) periodically reverses direction; DC (direct current) flows in one constant direction
  3. C AC has no voltage
  4. D DC only exists in power lines

Why this is the answer

AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT) periodically REVERSES direction (flows back and forth); DC (DIRECT CURRENT) flows in ONE constant direction. ASVAB Electronics Information tests current types. AC is used in household wiring and power distribution (it's easy to transform to different voltages for long-distance transmission); DC comes from batteries and is used in electronics (and produced by solar cells). Devices often convert AC to DC (via a rectifier/power adapter). In the US, household AC alternates at 60 Hz. Knowing AC reverses direction while DC is one-directional is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB Electronics Information — AC vs DC

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