AQA GCSE Alternating and Direct Electrical Circuits
Alternating and Direct Circuits
Circuits are either classed as alternating, or direct.
A circuit can have either:
1.Direct potential difference and Direct current
2.Alternating potential difference and alternating current
Direct
A direct potential difference is in one direction only.
This means that when the power source provides a direct potential difference a direct current will flow, this means that the current flows in only one direction around the circuit.
The direct current will flow from the positive terminal of the cell to the negative terminal of the cell.
Note the design of the cell terminals, compare to the alternating one below
An oscilloscope can be used to illustrate a direct potential difference and direct current
Sources of direct current for an electrical circuit would be a cell or battery.
Alternating
An alternating potential difference will continuously changes its direction.
An alternating potential difference will cause an alternating current to flow in a complete circuit.
An alternating current will continously change direction.
In the diagram above notice how the terminals have changed.
An oscilloscope can be used to show an alternating potential difference and alternating current
Sources of alternating current include generators and mains electricity
Practice Questions
1.Draw the circuit symbol to represent the terminals for:
(a)Circuit that has a direct potential difference
(b)Alternating potential difference
2. State two sources of:
(a) direct potential difference
(b)Alternating potential difference
3. State the name of the device which can be used to graphically show a direct current, or direct potential difference.