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Alternating current

Grafik von Wechselstrom und Gleichstrom mit Periode T, präsentiert von skapetze.

Electricity consists of what are known as electrons, electrically negative elementary particles. In alternating current, these electrons constantly change direction, which is why it is called “alternating” current. A standard electrical outlet in Germany supplies exactly this type of alternating current, with aTension 230V. This is often abbreviated as AC, which comes from English and stands for “Alternating Current.” The abbreviationDC then stands for the exact opposite, namelyDirect current or “Direct Current”.

The reason alternating current (AC) was chosen over direct current (DC) for power grids back then was that AC can be easily converted to DC with minimal losses. The reverse is not as straightforward, which is why high-voltage power lines operate on three-phase alternating current, or three-phase AC. So-called single-phase alternating current is also common in households. However, if you have a lamp that requires direct current rather than alternating current, a simpleTransformer to be used for conversion.

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