Types of Current

Direct Current:

If the magnitude of current flowing in a conductor is constant, the current is called direct current(or DC). For example, the current in a conductor connected to a battery is a dc. A graph between current and time is shown in fig.

 Alternating Current:

If the magnitude and the direction of current flowing in a conductor changes periodically, the current is called alternating current(or AC). A graph between current and time is shown in fig.

Direction of Current

Direction of conventional current:

The direction of conventional current is the direction in which positive charges would move in the circuit if they are allowed to move freely. The direction of conventional current is from positive terminal of battery to negative terminal through external circuit.

Direction of electron current:

The actual direction in which the electrons move in the circuit is the direction of electron current. The direction of electron current is from negative terminal of battery to positive terminal through external circuit.