How DC Current & Voltage Works (Animation)

Direct Current (DC) flows continuously in a single direction.
The LED remains constantly lit, and electrons flow steadily from the DC source towards the load.

What is DC Current?

Direct Current (DC) means that electricity flows in a single, constant direction. Unlike AC, which keeps changing direction, DC goes one way — straight from the source to the load.

We see DC power in batteries, solar panels, and electronics. It’s the type of current your phone charger uses inside the device — even if it gets AC from the wall, it converts it to DC to work safely.

Where is DC used?

DC is used where a steady and stable voltage is required. It’s perfect for small electronic circuits and devices. However, it’s not ideal for long-distance transmission, because:
– voltage conversion is hard
– there’s more loss over distance

That’s why power lines mostly use Alternating Current (AC), which is easier to transform and transmit.

What is DC Voltage?

DC Voltage is the constant electrical pressure pushing electrons through a circuit. It doesn’t pulse or change — it stays the same.

For example, a standard AA battery gives you 1.5V DC. That means it always pushes electricity in one direction with that exact pressure. No surprises, no fluctuations.

How is DC generated?

• Batteries
• Solar Panels
• Fuel Cells
• Or by converting AC using a rectifier

Short History of DC

– 1800 – Alessandro Volta: Invented the first chemical battery (Voltaic Pile), which produced DC.

– 1827 – Georg Simon Ohm: Created Ohm’s Law, explaining how voltage, current, and resistance relate.

– 1880s – Thomas Edison: Built the first commercial DC power systems in New York.

– War of Currents: Edison (DC) vs Tesla & Westinghouse (AC). AC won for city power grids, but DC still rules inside devices.

Film Tip:
Watch The Prestige (2006) — it’s not only about magicians, but also about the rivalry between Tesla and Edison. You’ll even see the legendary "War of Currents" played out behind the scenes.

Link: AC-DC Wars and The Prestige

Still relevant today!
• Solar energy? DC.
• Phones? DC.
• Electric cars? DC.

Even though the grid uses AC, DC is everywhere around you — clean, direct, and controlled.

Related Topics:
+ What is AC current and voltage?
+ What is DC current and voltage?
+ What is analog current?
+ What is analog voltage?
+ What is Ampere?
+ What is Voltage?