An electrical current that alternates direction is known as what?

Alternating current (AC) is defined as an electrical current that periodically reverses direction. This characteristic allows AC to efficiently transmit electrical power over long distances, making it the primary form of electricity used in homes and businesses today. The ability to change direction is significant because it enables the use of transformers to adjust voltage levels for more efficient power distribution.

In contrast, direct current (DC) flows in a single direction, which is commonly used in battery-powered devices and electronics. Pulsed current refers to a form of current that varies in magnitude but does not necessarily alternate direction like AC does, and static current is not a standard term used in electrical engineering. Therefore, the term that accurately describes an electrical current which alternates direction is, indeed, alternating current (AC).