CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Direct and Alternating Current
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the difference between direct current and alternating current.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Alternating Current
Alternating current behaves differently, depending on what components are in a circuit.
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Mains Electricity and Alternating Current Aqa
This lesson focuses on Mains Electricity and Alternating Current. Electrical supplies can be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). The UK mains electricity supply is about 230V at 50 Hz. It explains the difference between AC...
Physics4kids
Physics4 Kids: Electricity and Magnetism: Alternating Current
Alternating current, defined and illustrated.
Other
Alternating Current Series Circuit
This site outlines a lab dealing with Alternating Current Series Circuit. It includes graphs and formulas, and a list of questions associated with the lab.
Tech Target
What Is: Alternating Current (Ac)
This site provides a brief explanation of what an AC current is.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Current and Resistance
Article explores direct current circuits, alternating current circuits, and the nervous system.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Difference Between Alternating and Direct Current
Explains what alternating current and direct current are and what they are used for.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fourth Grade Science: Physical Science: Electric Current
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Defines electric current and relates electric current to different materials (insulators and conductors).
Other
Fayette County Public School: The Current War
A summation of the War of the Currents featuring Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison against a backdrop of The Columbian Exposition and an execution.
Boston University
Elementary Physics: Current and Resistance
A general summary of electrical resistance including a comparison of AC and DC current.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canada Science and Technology Museum: Background Information for Electricity
The Canada Science and Technology Museum answers some of the most common questions about electricity. For example, get the definition of electricity, the difference between alternating and direct currents, and learn how a fuse works.
Physics4kids
Physics4 Kids: Electricity and Magnetism: Current
Explains electric current, how it produces heat, and the difference between a direct current and an alternating current.
Curated OER
Physics4 kids.com: Direct Current and Alternating Current
Illustration showing the difference between a direct current and an alternating current.
PBS
Who Made America?: Innovators: George Westinghouse, Jr.
One-page profile of influential innovator, George Westinghouse, Jr., whose vision and ideas helped to increase the safety of the railroad system in America. His experimentation with electricity also had a huge impact on the power...
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Electric Circuits Aqa
This lesson focuses on Electrical circuits including standard symbols for electrical components, a list of components and what they do, a discussion of various types of resistors, and alternating current and direct current. Links to a...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Nikola Tesla: The Electro Magnetic Motor
Use this site to learn about the inventor of the electro-magnetic motor, Nikola Tesla. Find out why Tesla's experimentation with alternating current was so important to later inventions and use of electricity.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: George Westinghouse, Jr.
From the series, They Made America, on PBS, this biography of George Westinghouse tells about his development of the air brake for railroad cars, and his experimentation with alternating current that revolutionized the transmission of...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: George Westinghouse
This brief article on the life and contributions of George Westinghouse (1846-1914) includes a picture. Read about his air brake as well as his development of the alternating current system.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Nikola Tesla
Awarded more than 100 patents over the course of his lifetime, Nikola Tesla was a man of considerable genius and vision. He was reportedly born at exactly midnight during an electrical storm, an intriguing beginning for a man who would...
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: George Westinghouse
Find information about George Westinghouse's contributions to both railroad safety and the adoption of alternating current for motors and the transmission of electricity.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics Simulation: Ac Transformer
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about how high-voltage alternating current (AC) electricity generated by a power station is converted into low-voltage AC electricity for your home using this interactive simulation. A PDF...
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Voltage, Current, and Resistance
Illustrated explanation of voltage, current, and resistance and the relationship between them.
PBS
Pbs: War of the Currents
Read here about the industrial "war" that took place between the patents on alternating and direct current.