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Why can alternating current transmit electricity over long distance while direct current Cannot?
Alternating current is cheaper to generate and has fewer energy losses than direct current when transmitting electricity over long distances. As opposed to direct current, the direction and amperage of alternating current changes many times a second.
Why does alternating current travel farther than direct current?
The reason we have used an still use AC for long distance transmission is because it is so much easier to step the voltage up at the generator and down at the use end than DC is. The reason we do this is to reduce the losses due to current flow. Every metal we use as a conducting cable has some resistance.
Why does DC lose power over long distances?
The primary way that power lines lose power is in resistive losses. They are not perfect conductors (their resistance is non-zero), so a little of the power that goes through them is lost to heat – just as in an electric heater, only there, of course, heat is what we want!
Can you explain the difference between direct and alternating current?
Direct current (DC) is the flow of electric charge in only one direction. It is the steady state of a constant-voltage circuit. Alternating current (AC) is the flow of electric charge that periodically reverses direction.
What are the disadvantages of AC over DC?
The peak value of A.C. is high and it is dangerous to use so better insulation is required. It attracts a person who touches it, unlike D.C. which gives a repelling shock. An A.C. is transmitted from the surface of the conductor and hence need several strands of thin wires insulated from each other.
What are the similarities between alternating current and direct current?
The main similarities between AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) is that both use electrons as the charge carriers in the current, can transport energy in doing so, and that each gives off waste energy as they pass through circuit elements.
How far can alternating current travel?
A typical maximum transmission distance is about 300 miles (483 km). High-voltage transmission lines are quite obvious when you see them. They are normally made of huge steel towers like this: All power towers like this have three wires for the three phases.
What are the advantages of alternating current over direct current?
Following are the advantages of alternating current over direct current: 1 AC is less expensive and easy to generate than DC. 2 The distance covered by AC is more than that of the DC. 3 The power loss during transmission in AC is less when compared to the DC. More
What is the difference between AC current and DC current?
Direct current only flows in one direction, while alternating current changes direction periodically. In AC current the voltage will also reverse due to the current changing directions. It is used to power homes and offices while DC current is more often found in the powering of small electronics.
What are the disadvantages of direct current?
Despite all of its wonderful uses in things like smartphones, televisions, flashlights, and even electric vehicles, direct current does have three serious limitations: High Voltages. If you need high voltages, like what it would take to power a fridge or a dishwasher, then DC isn’t up for the task.
What is alternating current (AC)?
Alternating current (AC) is a flow of electrical charge that periodically changes direction. The voltage level changes along with the current.