Lesson 10 of 15
Two kinds of electricity
Show on a big screenA torch cell and a wall socket both give electricity. They are not the same kind.
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The idea
Reversing means turning to flow the other way.
Step 1 of 4
- Direct current, or DC, flows one way.
- Alternating current, or AC, keeps reversing.
- A cell gives DC.
- A wall socket gives AC. This supply is called mains. Never use it for experiments.
A cell gives direct current, which flows one way. A wall socket gives alternating current, which keeps reversing.
A cell is enough for a torch or a clock. A fan or a fridge takes power from the socket.
Mains electricity can kill. Never touch a plug, a socket or a switch with wet hands. Only a trained electrician works on mains.
Try the lab to finish this lesson.