Alex Lee

Physics 103-01

February 5, 2014

Exam 1 Essay

The Current War

Question 1: From what we have discussed in class, what is the major difference between

alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), and which scientist mentioned in the piece was

a proponent of each type of current? The major difference between alternating current and direct

current is that alternating current creates a sine wave due to the fact that the current periodically

switches directions. Direct current, however, produces a straight current with no alterations in

direction. Nikola Tesla was a proponent for alternating current while Thomas Edison was a

proponent of direct current.

Question 2: Summarize the scientific contribution of AC current to society. AC current

contributes greatly to society today. AC current is used in wall outlets because it can easily be

stepped up or down for safe usage in homes. It can travel far distances because of this. Without

AC current, society would not have the power to run most everything used in the average

American’s technology-centered life. AC current is responsible for powering televisions,

computers, refrigerators, and every other modern convenience run by electricity.

Question 3: What impact do you think “the current war” had on society at the time? At the time,

AC current was a new thing. It was unorthodox, and like many nontraditional things, it was

feared. Because of this, many people thought Nikola Tesla was somewhat of a “mad scientist.”
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Thomas Edison was a trusted and revered inventor. The “current war” was probably a very scary

thing for the average person who was not familiar with the science behind it all.

Question 4: Why do you think that AC current gained prominence over DC current? Once AC

current was out in the open, people began to see its benefits and realize that perhaps it was not

such a scary new thing after all. AC current gained prominence over DC current because it could

be manipulated to travel far distances, it was safer in the home, and it was more feasible. The

generators required to create AC current were also more economical and a more practical choice.

Question 5: How would our world be different if we relied on DC current as our main source of

electricity today? If DC current was still the main source of electricity, the world would be

lacking much of the technology used every day. Powerful electricity would be running through

dangerous wires and lines all over the world. Today’s appliances could not be used due to the

uncontrollable strength of the DC current.

Question 6: What are some objects that we use every day which rely on both AC and DC

sources of current? Some objects that rely on both AC and DC current include cell phones and

laptops. Both items receive AC current when plugged into the wall charging. When they are

unplugged, however, they are running off of DC current stored in the batteries.