The actual correct answer is that alternating current, unlike direct current, does not require a complete circuit, it simply requires a displacement current path. Such a path is provided when the line is connected to the a large charge holder, like ground (Earth).

How does alternating current work in a house?

The electrical current in your house is AC. This comes from power plants that are operated by the electric company and is carried through power lines. The direction of current is switching back and forth 60 times each second (60 Hertz) in the United States.

How is AC wired in a house?





A continuous electrical circuit consists of three wires; a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The electricity will flow through the hot wire into the device you wish to power, or to a receptacle in your home. The electricity then flows back through the neutral wire to complete the circuit.

Are alternating currents used in homes?

Both alternating and direct current play an important role in the average household. The appliances in your home, such as your refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher use alternating current. In houses that aren’t on a natural gas line, most furnaces, hot water heaters, ovens and dryers run on AC as well.

How does alternating current work in a circuit?

Alternating current works in much the same way. The electrons initially move in one direction, but then reverse themselves and move in the other direction. The back and forth movement of the electrons in the circuit continues as long as the voltage continues to reverse itself.

How electricity works in a house?

Electricity travels from the service panel to home appliances through the hot conductor, and returns the current to the main service panel through the neutral conductor. A third or “grounding” wire is also connected to all outlets and metal boxes in your home.

Do houses have AC or DC current?





When you plug things into the outlet in your house, you don’t get DC. Household outlets are AC – Alternating Current. This current has a frequency of 60 Hz and would look something like this (if you plotted current as a function of time).

How many circuits are in a house?

1 Fifty years ago, a kitchen might have been served by a single electrical circuit, but today, a newly installed kitchen with standard appliances requires at least seven circuits and often more. Kitchens must have at least two 20-amp 120-volt “small appliance” circuits serving the receptacles in the countertop areas.

How does a circuit work?

An electrical circuit is composed of a source of electrical power, two wires that can carry electric current, and a light bulb. One end of both the wires is attached to the terminal of a cell while their free ends are connected to the light bulb. The electrical circuit is broken when the bulb is switched off.

Why is a circuit called a circuit?

In an electronic circuit, electrons come out of the power source, travel along conductors, go through a load to perform work and are finally returned to the source. It is called a circuit because of the circular path that the electrons flow through.

What is alternating current in simple words?



Alternating Current (AC) is a type of electrical current, in which the direction of the flow of electrons switches back and forth at regular intervals or cycles. Current flowing in power lines and normal household electricity that comes from a wall outlet is alternating current.

What is alternating current used for?

Alternating current describes the flow of charge that changes direction periodically. As a result, the voltage level also reverses along with the current. AC is used to deliver power to houses, office buildings, etc.

Why is alternating current used?

Alternating current (AC) is the type of electric current generated by the vast majority of power plants and used by most power distribution systems. Alternating current is cheaper to generate and has fewer energy losses than direct current when transmitting electricity over long distances.

What was an advantage of alternating current AC electricity?



The main advantages of alternating current are as follows: Economical and simple production. Low-waste energy-transmission in large distances. Easy transformation into other types based on the principle of mutual induction.

Why do we use AC instead of DC in our homes?

1 Answer. Because it is easier to distribute over large distances with relatively low losses, and it is a bit safer for the same voltage if touched.

Why do we use alternating current in our electrical grid over direct current?

The main factor that went into the choice of AC over DC was that AC is more efficient. Its ability to travel back and forth made gave it the ability to travel over longer distances. Thus making it able to power more homes.

What are the pros and cons of alternating current?

List of Pros of Alternating Current

  • Efficient Power Transmission. …
  • Gives Power Generation. …
  • Made Power Consumption Possible. …
  • Supplies Better Lighting. …
  • Lower in Cost and Available. …
  • Expensive in Cars. …
  • Need for Insulation. …
  • AC Generator Issues.

Who Won the current war?



AC

By the time the great machinery began generating power, on 16 November 1896, for the city of Buffalo more than 20 miles away, there could be no doubt that AC had won the War of the Currents.

What are three advantages of AC?

Top 10 Benefits of Air Conditioning

  • Reduced Possibility of Asthma Attacks. …
  • A More Secure Home. …
  • Cool Place to Exercise. …
  • Less Insects and Parasites. …
  • Better Sleep. …
  • Prevents Electronics From Overheating. …
  • Improves Work Performance. …
  • Reduces the Risk of Dehydration.