Alternating Current

From doktorsleepless

Discovered by Nikola Tesla, Alternating Current (A/C) is an electrical current, in which electrical charges oscillate (i.e., moves back and forth) rather than flowing continuously in one direction as is the case with Direct Current (D/C). D/C was developed first, but could not be transmitted over long distances efficiently. Tesla developed A/C as a means of overcoming the transmission difficulty, opening the door to delivering electricity to the home.

Edison was a major proponent of D/C and former mentor of Tesla's. He hated Tesla's success, and would often, during lectures, electrocute a dog or some other animal to demonstrate the dangers of A/C. It was this inspiration that led him to invent the electric chair. His application of that invention to a problem elephant is well-documented. Rather than use A/C, Edison proposed a system of D/C generators on every street corner as the means of delivering electric service.