Alternating Current Direct Current Voltage

Alternating Current Direct Current

Components of Electrical System 

Voltage source = generator/batteries

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Conductor = wires

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Control Element = switch

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Load = light bulb, motors, appliances

Alternating Current 

Electrons flow back and forth 60 times per second 

Electrons travel in bidirectional path in circuit EXAMPLES

Power generated from power plant Travels over long distance to your home or business VOLTAGE amounts 120v 208v 240v 480v Advantages? Disadvantages?

Direct Current  

Maintains a constant value

Electrons travel in a Unidirectional path, point to point EXAMPLES

Batteries are the most common source of DC Primary Cells are intended for 1 use Secondary Cells can be recharges for multiple use

Battery Construction 

In its simplest form a battery consists of two different metal (copper&zinc) plates called electrodes which are dipped into an acid solution called electrolytes

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The cell then produces current through the path of the two metals

Battery types 

Primary cells

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Nonrechargeable

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Alkaline Carbon-Zinc Lithium Mercury Silver-Oxide

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Secondary cells Rechargeable Lead-Acid Nickel-Iron Nickel-Cadmium Lead-Calcium Silver-Zinc

ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS 

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Wire

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Load

Switch

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Battery

Lamp

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AC power