Advantages and Disadvantages of A.C and D.C

 What comes to your mind first when you hear about AC and DC currents? 


No! Don’t open your textbooks, yet! 


For many students learning secondary physics, AC and DC generally means - 


  • Alternating Current

  • Direct Current 


However, we all know that this knowledge is not enough to write in exams or solve problems related to the same. 


You need to understand how alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) work. 


Let us give you an example. 


When you plug your phone into the charger and switch on the current, what current do you think runs through the circuit? 


Well, it's the AC that's emitted from the plug and enters the charger. But it’s the charger that changes that transforms that current into DC. This is because alternating current keeps changing directions. And you can’t afford to use that current inside your phone. 


There is a small circuit inside every charger that converts AC from the wall into DC before sending it into your phone. That’s the reason every mobile phone charger is slightly bulky. Because they are not just wires but converters. 


In your physics tuition, you’ll learn more about how the AC and DC work in different devices, along with the advantages and disadvantages of both. 




What Is The Key Difference Between AC And DC

When this question is asked in the paper, students in Singapore often write the definitions, i.e., AC is Alternating Current that changes directions, while DC is Direct Current, which is stable.  


But this is not enough for examiners, who want to know how strong your concepts are. You have to give them some real life examples. 


Let’s talk about AC first. When you switch on the fan or the air conditioner in your room, it’s generally Alternating Current that flows into them. This is because the power stations generate AC electricity, which is easier to transmit over long distances. 


However, your phone battery supplies DC, and so does a battery-powered torch or a power bank. It’s because the steady current flows consistently in one direction from the device into your mobile phone. 


While writing answers, give examples, like AC is transmitted from power stations, while DC runs in most electronic devices and solar panels. 

AC Vs DC: Pros And Cons Of Both 

You may be wondering, if both electricities are used for different functions, how can the cons of either exist? 


Good question. The pros and cons of DC and AC are not about benefits but how they are used. When used appropriately, both pose some kind of advantages with respect to different devices. 

The Advantages Of AC Electricity 

Alternating Current changes its direction several times per second. In Singapore, it reverses almost 50 times every second. Therefore, it’s ideal for long distance supply. 


  • More energy efficiency - A.C. voltage can be increased for transmission and reduced before reaching homes. Higher voltage during transmission means lower energy loss as heat.

  • Large-scale distribution - Power stations generate electricity in A.C. form, making it practical and cost effective to distribute electricity across cities and residential areas.

  • Household usage - Most home appliances, like refrigerators, and air conditioners are designed to operate on alternating current, making it the standard supply for homes.

The Disadvantages?

Well, there are some, to be honest. 


While AC electricity is excellent for large scale supply, it is not perfect for every situation.


  • Not Device Ready - Most electronic devices such as phones and laptops cannot use AC directly. It must first be converted into DC using adapters or chargers.

  • Circuit Complexity - AC circuits can involve phase differences and reactance, which make calculations more complex at higher levels of Physics.

  • Loss of Energy - When AC is converted into DC for electronic devices, some energy is lost during the conversion process.

The Advantages Of DC Electricity 

DC or Direct Current flows in one direction consistently. This steady flow makes it usable for many applications:


  • Stable Output - DC provides constant voltage, which is ideal for sensitive electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and computers.

  • Battery Storage - Batteries store and supply electricity in direct current form, making it perfect for portable devices.

  • Solar Compatibility - Solar panels naturally produce DC, which can be stored directly in batteries for later use.

What Are The Disadvantages?

The only con of DC electricity is that it can’t be used in large scale systems or widespread distribution. 


  • Difficulties in transmission - Direct current is a less practical option for long distance power transmission compared to AC. 

  • Voltage Conversion - Abrupt changes in voltage levels are more complex than in alternating current systems.

  • Limited Household Supply - Homes are generally supplied with alternating current, so DC cannot be used without conversions. 

So AC or DC - Which Is Better?

Many tutors ask this tricky question to their students in physics or science tuition classes:


“Which do you think is the better form of electricity?”


However, if a student has a great concept of both, s/he will understand that both electricities are not competing with each other in the real world. Both are ideal for different types of usage. 


In the exams, no one will ask you if one is better than the other but about the applications of both. And that’s exactly why you should have a good grasp of the topic. 

Final Thoughts


To understand different forms of electricity in the right manner, their usage areas and applications, you need the right kind of guidance as well. If your physics tuition classes focus on strengthening the concepts before problem solving, you’ll get clarity on both AC and DC electricity without confusion. 


One such tuition centre is the Miracle Learning Centre that is based on conceptual learning. However, it doesn’t mean that they don’t pay attention to exam scoring techniques. Over the years, this physics tuition centre in Singapore has earned a reputation for creating strong foundations in each topic. Once your child is enrolled here, you can rest assured they will start loving science more than memorising. 


Try them and see how your child’s knowledge is transformed! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Fun Guide for Kids to Understanding Newton’s Second Law

Image
  H ave you ever wondered why a ball rolls faster when you give it a big push or why it's harder to stop a heavy object than a light one? Well, those curious questions are part of a fascinating world called physics, and at the heart of understanding how things move is Newton’s Second Law. But don't worry, understanding this law doesn’t have to be complicated! Let’s embark on an exciting journey into the realm of forces and motion, breaking down Newton’s Second Law in a way that's easy, fun, and perfect for kids to explore. Plus, imagine having a guide—like a friendly physics tuition —who can turn learning into an adventure filled with experiments and games, making the study of forces even more engaging and enjoyable! What is Newton’s Second Law? Newton’s Second Law states: "The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration." In simpler terms, it means that the harder you push an object, the faster it will speed up or ...
Read more

Take a comprehensive look at the nuances of different motions

Image
  Motion, an elemental concept in physics, intricately weaves through the fabric of our physical world, describing the ever-changing positions of objects in relation to their surroundings. From the rhythmic oscillation of a pendulum to the complex trajectory of a satellite orbiting the Earth, the study of motion unveils a diverse tapestry of phenomena. This exploration delves into the foundational principles of motion, highlighting the factors that govern it, and subsequently, unveils the various types of motion that exist in the intricate dance of the universe. With the aid of physics tuition , we embark on a journey that simplifies these complexities, providing invaluable guidance and support for a comprehensive understanding of motion's nuanced intricacies. Basic Principles of Motion: Motion hinges on fundamental principles that define its dynamic nature. Time, a constant backdrop, chronicles the unfolding events. Speed, a key metric, quantifies an object's rate of progress ...
Read more

Mastering Physics — How An Expert Physics Tutor Helps Understanding Complex Concepts?

Image
Physics is a daunting subject to master. Lessons involving abstract theories, important laws of physics, intricate mathematical formulations and more can all become too challenging to master. Whether at secondary level or even higher education, this subject only expands in these areas as you progress higher. So, how can you master these complex concepts? You need the right supplementary support to help you on this journey. Joining a trusted and well-tailored physics tuition centre can be the solution for it. You not only get access to a lot of study materials but most importantly get the guidance of expert physics tutors. They can help in making these complex concepts understood easily. Let’s go into details on how an expert physics tutor helps in understanding the tough physics concepts. Understanding Individual Learning Styles Physics involves a diverse range of concepts, each needing a unique approach for comprehension. Each student learns at his/her own pace and the right tutor u...
Read more