Which term describes current that changes direction in a regular pattern?

Which term describes current that changes direction in a regular pattern?

• A. Direct Current (DC)
• B. Frequency
• C. Hertz
• D. Alternating Current (AC)

Answer: (D)

The current that changes direction in a regular pattern is alternating current. In AC, the flow continually reverses its direction, typically following a repeating waveform such as a sine wave. The rate at which it reverses is the frequency, measured in cycles per second (hertz). For example, household power is commonly 60 Hz in the US and 50 Hz in many other countries, meaning the current direction reverses 60 or 50 times per second. Direct current, by contrast, flows in one direction only. Frequency and hertz describe how often the reversal happens, not the type of current itself.

The current that changes direction in a regular pattern is alternating current. In AC, the flow continually reverses its direction, typically following a repeating waveform such as a sine wave. The rate at which it reverses is the frequency, measured in cycles per second (hertz). For example, household power is commonly 60 Hz in the US and 50 Hz in many other countries, meaning the current direction reverses 60 or 50 times per second. Direct current, by contrast, flows in one direction only. Frequency and hertz describe how often the reversal happens, not the type of current itself.