Why is alternating current important?

Question

Adrian Ayala · Accepted Answer

Alternating current is important because it's voltage can be stepped up and down as required, thereby reducing power loss during transmission.

By changing the secondary coil's desired number of turns relative to the primary coil, the transformer's alternating voltage can be changed. According to law of conservation of energy, net energy is conserved and as voltage is stepped up, current is reduced since we have a relation #P = Vi# We also know that, the energy dissipated in time #t# due to Joule's heating is, #E = i^2Rt# thus, on reducing the current and increasing the voltage, the power loss is substantially reduced. We can adjust how much the voltage is stepped down at the receiving station.

Nathan Ashcroft · Answer

undefined Alternating current (AC) is important for several reasons:

1. Ease of Transmission: AC can be easily transmitted over long distances using transformers, which allows electricity to be distributed efficiently from power plants to homes and businesses.

2. Voltage Regulation: AC voltage can be easily changed using transformers, making it possible to step up or step down voltage levels as needed for various applications.

3. Flexibility: AC can be easily converted to different voltages and frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of devices and applications.

4. Safety: AC can be easily controlled and switched off, making it safer to use in electrical systems compared to direct current (DC).

5. Generation Efficiency: Many power generation methods, such as those using turbines and generators, naturally produce AC electricity, making it the most common type of electricity generated worldwide.