| MadSci Network: Physics |
Hi Andrew: Alternating current (AC) occurs when charge carriers in a conductor periodically reverse their direction of movement, typically conductors cutting across magnetic fields of opposite polarity. The electron is a subatomic particle usually found in orbit around an atomic nucleus. It is by definition said to have one unit of negative electrical charge. Current is nothing more than electrons in motion. Whether they move in one direction or alternate back and forth as if in a dance does not affect the amount of energy transferred in a very simplistic way. In reality, alternating current is very much affected by inductance and capacitance. Before getting into the deep end, look-up some resources on the Internet: http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/ac.htm http://www.amasci.com/elect/elefaq1.html#ah http://www.geocities.com/physicselec/acdc.html As a passing remark, electricity does not travel simultaneously in opposite directions. The source of that information is questionable. I hope this bit of information will help your understanding of electric current. If it doesn’t please don’t hesitate to write again to the MadSci Network. If you do write again, be sure to reference this answer so we can know what we have already told you! Your Mad.Sci Micro.
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