Why can't AC current be stored in a battery like DC current?

Why can't AC current be stored in a battery like DC current?

• A. AC current requires special generators
• B. AC current is unstable
• C. AC current fluctuates in frequency
• D. AC current is only for short-term use

Answer: (B)

The reason AC current cannot be stored in a battery like DC current lies in the nature of its waveform. AC current alternates direction periodically, meaning it changes its voltage and flow continuously over time. This characteristic results in a fluctuating electrical signal that cannot be maintained steadily in a storage medium like a battery. Batteries are designed to store direct current (DC), which flows in one constant direction, allowing for a stable and predictable electric charge to be stored and later released when needed. Since AC current’s alternating nature is fundamentally different from the steady flow of DC, it becomes impractical to store it in a battery. This distinction between AC and DC is crucial in understanding the applications of each form of current in electrical systems, especially in healthcare settings where reliable power sources are necessary for medical equipment.

The reason AC current cannot be stored in a battery like DC current lies in the nature of its waveform. AC current alternates direction periodically, meaning it changes its voltage and flow continuously over time. This characteristic results in a fluctuating electrical signal that cannot be maintained steadily in a storage medium like a battery.

Batteries are designed to store direct current (DC), which flows in one constant direction, allowing for a stable and predictable electric charge to be stored and later released when needed. Since AC current’s alternating nature is fundamentally different from the steady flow of DC, it becomes impractical to store it in a battery.

This distinction between AC and DC is crucial in understanding the applications of each form of current in electrical systems, especially in healthcare settings where reliable power sources are necessary for medical equipment.