Full form of AC
- Full form of AC is Alternate Current.
Alternating current is a type of electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals. It is the type of electricity that comes out of a wall socket in your home. Alternating current was invented by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse in 1887. They were trying to find a way to transmit electricity over long distances without losing power. The first alternating-current power plant was built by Westinghouse in 1895, and it supplied electricity to the city of Buffalo, New York. Alternating current is used for transmitting electricity over long distances because it can be easily stepped up or down in voltage with transformers. This makes it possible to use the same wires for different voltages, which reduces the number of wires needed for transmission and lowers costs. Alternating current is generated by an alternating-current generator, which produces an electric current with a constantly changing direction. The most common type of alternating-current generator is the alternator, which generates electricity from mechanical energy.
Functions of Alternating current
The three most basic functions of alternating current are to transmit power, transmit signals, and convert voltage. Alternating current can be made by any electric generator or power station that operates with a rotary armature (the spinning component) or by using a rotating cast iron rotor with slots cut in it. It can be used for powering lights and motors or for transmitting electrical signals along copper wire or optical fiber for tens, hundreds, or even thousands of miles without losing much energy to heat.
Disadvantages of using alternating current
Using alternating current has some disadvantages. Transformers are needed at power stations and substations to increase and decrease voltage levels, which lowers efficiency. Alternating current also has some uses in electroconvulsive therapy, electrical anesthesia, electrocution, and execution in the electric chair.
These disadvantages have led to research on direct current for long-distance transmission of electricity. However, alternating current is generally less expensive for long distance transmission than direct current because of the higher copper required in a DC line.
Alternating Current is used around the world for nearly all commercial and residential electricity production. The only exception is a few remote communities powered by diesel generators or hydroelectric installations using direct current.