What are the similarities and
differences between…
Write down some ideas in your books
DC vs AC
• If we look back at
this simple circuit
from the start of
the topic…
• You’ll note that the
current is directed
one way around
the circuit.
• This is called direct
current (d.c.)
DC vs AC
• The circuits we have been
building so far work by DC,
which we can see on the left.
• However, all the electricity
that comes out of our plug
sockets is by alternating
current (a.c.) which is on the
right.
• The UK mains frequency is 50
cycles per second (or 50Hz)
Open this link:
Scroll down and click on where it says “flash animation” (just above the video)
https://www.physics-chemistry-interactive-flashanimation.com/electricity_electromagnetism_interactive/draw_evolution_AC_v
oltage_as_function_of_time.htm
Click “keep” then load the file.
Instructions
1) Press “play on the stopwatch” and
every 10 seconds, read the value on
the voltmeter and record it in the
measurements table at the top.
2) Once all the results have been put in,
click on the arrow on the bottom
right and plot the graph of voltage
over time.
3) Get the graph checked and sketch it
into your books.
Research Question:
In the UK, mains electricity is 230v 50Hz
What does this mean?
AC and DC
1. Make sure you have both graphs sketched and
labelled in your books.
2. Describe what happens in AC and DC circuits in
a few sentences, referring to electron flow
– In AC circuits, the electrons flow….
– In DC circuits, the electrons flow…