Difference between AC and DC

Electricity flows in two ways; either in alternating current (AC) or in direct current (DC). Electricity or 'current' is nothing more than moving electrons along a conductor, like a wire, that have been harnessed for energy. Therefore, the difference between AC and DC has to do with the direction in which the electrons flow. In DC, the electrons flow steadily in a single direction, or "forward." In AC, electrons keep switching directions, sometimes going "forwards" and then going "backwards."

Comparison chart

	Alternating Current	Direct Current
Amount of energy that can be carried	Safe to transfer over longer city distances and can provide more power.	Voltage of DC cannot travel very far until it begins to lose energy.
Cause of the direction of flow of electrons	Rotating magnet along the wire.	Steady magnetism along the wire.
Frequency	The frequency of alternating current is 50Hz or 60Hz depending upon the country.	The frequency of direct current is zero.
Direction	It reverses its direction while flowing in a circuit.	It flows in one direction in the circuit.
Current	It is the current of magnitude varying with time	It is the current of constant magnitude.
Flow of Electrons	Electrons keep switching directions - forward and backward.	Electrons move steadily in one direction or 'forward'.
Obtained from	A.C Generator and mains.	Cell or Battery.
Passive Parameters	Impedance.	Resistance only
Power Factor	Lies between 0 & 1.	it is always 1.
Types	Sinusoidal, Trapezoidal, Triangular, Square.	Pure and pulsating.