What does 'AC' stand for?

The term 'AC' stands for Alternating Current, which is a type of electrical current where the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. This is in contrast to direct current (DC), where the electric charge flows in a single direction. Alternating current is widely used in power systems for home and industrial electricity because it allows for efficient transmission over long distances and can easily be transformed to different voltages.

Understanding this concept is critical when studying electricity and electronics, as it lays the foundation for how electrical systems operate, particularly in relation to generators, transformers, and appliances that utilize AC power.