Forms of Current Electricity

AC/DC (not the rock n’ roll band)

Direct Current (DC)

• The flow of electrons in one direction through an electric circuit

• Recall Mr. Spensieri’s Lemon Battery

Electrons flow

In 1 direction

Alternating Current (AC)

• The flow of electrons alternates in direction around an electric circuit

• The electrons can move back and fourth

• Electron change in direction can happen as much as 60 times per second!

( Generator )

Generating Electricity

• Electrical Generating Plants convert mechanical energy (motion) into electrical energy (movement of electrons)

• A Generator produces electrical energy

Generating Electricity

Example: Hydro-Electricity

The energy from the falling water is collected by the turbine which rotates the

metal coil in the generator. The transmission lines bring the AC to our houses.

Summary

• Current electricity can be produced directly from a battery (DC – Lemon Battery, Lithium Battery)

• Power Generation Plants produce AC electricity using a generator and mechanical energy (movement)

• DC – Electrons flow in one direction

• AC – Electrons alternate directions