Direct current is an electric current that moves through a circuit in one direction. An example of a direct current is a circuit where the current moves from the dry cell, through a resistor, and back to the dry cell in one direction only. Electrons move through the circuit from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, always going in the same direction. The terminals do not change their charge - they are either positive or negative. The electrons are then returned to the electrolyte. To keep electrons flowing in the circuit, the chemical energy of the electrolyte causes electrons to continue moving onto the negative terminal. These electrons continue to flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This happens over and over again, providing a flow of electricity.Direct current is used in many ways. It is used in all battery-powered appliances and automobile electrical systems. In fact, many home electrical appliances - such as tape recorders, televisions, computers and stereos - receive alternating current (which we will learn about next) from the house but convert it to DC before it runs through the circuits of the appliance. These kinds of appliances run more efficiently on DC. Homes that are powered by their own solar battery systems or generator use DC. Any small scale energy generation is done most efficiently by using direct current.
Direct Current
List three examples of appliances that use direct current?
Answers will vary, but may include: radio, television, computers and stereos.
