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Question

How ac can travel large distances whereas dc cannot

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Solution

When we think about the transportation of electricity in a circuit, the flow of the voltage can be either AC (alternating current) or DC ( direct current). Alternating current is more frequently used in the transporting of current over long distances. To find out why this is the case, it is important to explore the differences between alternating current and direct current.

Differences Between Alternating Current and Direct 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.

Why is AC Current Better for Long Distances?

AC current is used to power homes and offices, transporting power from its source to its destination. AC current’s ability to carry the electricity over these distances is based on a few different factors. The first of these concern the amount of power lost when current is traveling over a long distance. Obviously, we want to keep power loss minimal which is something more easily achieved in the lower current the AC provides. This also contributes to the added advantage of being able to use thinner wires.

Once power arrives at its destination, it is necessary to convert it from one voltage to another. It is necessary for power to travel at high voltages to reach its destination, but this voltage must be converted to make it usable in homes and offices. This can be done more easily and efficiently when using AC current.

By exploring the differences between alternating and direct current, we can see why AC current is the preferred method for transporting power over long distances. It loses less power while traveling and can be converted to lower voltages more easily. This information can be useful in the study of electricity and can be applied in many practical situations.


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