In an Alternate Current (AC), the direction of the flow of electricity periodically changes. This differs from Direct Current (DC) in which the flow of electricity moves steadily in one direction. While Direct current comes primarily from energy sources such as batteries, while Alternating Current is what comes into our homes and businesses. The usual waveform of an Alternating Current power circuit is a sine wave. The back-and-forth motion occurs between 50 and 60 times per second, depending on the electrical system of the country.
<-- Diagram of various types of current
While Direct Current is likely found among low-voltage applications, Alternating Current is for larger voltage applications.
Direct Current is used in batteries, solar power, and most automotive applications.
Alternating Current is what is produced by power plants, and is used in our homes to power devices such as television, lights and computers.
<-- Diagram of various types of current
An interesting point regarding DC versus AC is the "war of the currents" between Edison and Tesla. While Edison fought to promote direct current, Tesla was an advocate of alternating current. In the end Edison's dismissal of alternating current seemed to win out as he famously demonstrated the dangerous capacity of AC by publicly killing animals
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