TWO TYPES OF

ELECTRIC CURRENT:
AC & DC
ACTIVITY: ¼
Differentiate Direct Current and Alternating
Current.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
• It is a movement of positive or
negative electric particles
accompanied by such observable
effects as the production of heat, of a
magnetic field, or of chemical
transformations.
There are two types of electric current:
Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC).
.Direct Current, abbreviated as DC, means that the flow
of electric charge that does not change direction.
Batteries, fuel cells, rectifiers, generators with
commutators, static and lightning produce direct current.
In direct current, the flow of electric charge is
follows only one direction. A voltage is produced,
and maybe reserved, until it is used up. In the
circuit, there is a specific and constant voltage
where the current flows. This is oversimplified
somewhat but is suitable for our needs. You are
using direct current when you use a flashlight, a
pocket radio, a portable CD player or any other
type of battery-operated or portable device.
Direct currents are constant in time and flow in
only one direction. Their appearance does not
vary, just like that of a straight line. Power sources
such as batteries, power supplies and DC
generators produce direct currents. Photovoltaic
devices such as solar cells can also generate DC
power.
Alternating Current
-or AC is an electric current that
periodically reverses its direction. It is in
contrast with the direct current (DC)
which cannot change sporadically.
This type of electricity is
generated by AC generators generally from a
hydroelectric plant. It is the commercial power
delivered through power transmission
lines. It is utilized for electrical appliances
and equipment in homes and
offices. AC currents can be reduced to suit its application
through the use of power transformer. It can also be
converted to DC for specific purposes. In the Philippines,
alternating current is rated as 220V AC at 60 Hz.
Alternating currents change direction occasionally, flowing first
on one way and then to the other. They are sinusoidal (having
the form of a sine curve) waves, which allows them to change
in time. They are generated from sources such as power
supplies and AC generators. In North America, the AC is 120
volts and 60 hertz or cycles per second. This implies that the
current changes direction 60 times per second. In Europe, it is
normally 50 hertz with 220 to 240 volts.
Why does standard electricity come
only in the form of Alternating Current?
-There is a variety of reasons why standard
electricity is in AC form. One of the most
important of these reasons is that it is relatively
easy to change voltages of alternating currents
from one level to another using a transformer.
Personal Computers use only
direct current. This means that
the AC provided by the utility
must be converted first to DC
before being use. This is the
primary purpose of the computer’s power supply.
½ cw
Illustrate the work and functions of
direct current (DC) and alternating
current (AC).
Dressing for lab
Below include an image in each box (clip art, icon, or picture) of appropriate
lab dress. Label each image using the text box provided.

Lab coat Close-toed shoes Full-coverage

clothing

Safety goggles Protective gloves Hair restraints

Safe lab practices
The three Cs of lab safety

Careful conduct

Correct equipment

Chemical awareness
Safe lab practices cont’d
Three key elements of lab safety

Proper waste disposal

Emergency preparedness

Labeling and storage

In the event of a lab accident…
• Assess the situation: Quickly assess the severity of the accident and the potential
risks to yourself and others. Prioritize safety and evacuate the area if necessary.

• Notify others: Immediately alert nearby colleagues or lab personnel about the
accident, ensuring they are aware of the situation and can help if needed.

• Seek first aid: If someone is injured, administer basic first aid if you are trained to
do so, or seek medical attention promptly. Report any injuries, no matter how minor,
to the lab supervisor or appropriate personnel.

• Contain and control: If possible and safe to do so, contain the spill or accident area
using appropriate methods, such as using spill kits or shutting off equipment. Prevent
the spread of hazards to other areas.

• Report the incident: Report the accident to the lab supervisor or designated safety
officer as soon as possible. Provide a detailed account of the incident, including any
chemicals involved and the actions taken to respond to the situation.

Note: In case of a serious or life-threatening accident, call emergency services

immediately (e.g., 911 or the appropriate emergency number for your local area) before
taking further action. Safety should always be the top priority during any lab accident.
At the end of your lab time…
• Clean up: Thoroughly clean and organize your workspace, including removing any spills,
disposing of waste properly, and returning equipment to its designated storage area.

• Properly store chemicals: Ensure all chemicals are stored securely in their designated
storage locations, with proper labeling and lids tightly closed. Check for any expired or
deteriorated chemicals and report them for disposal.

• Shutdown equipment: Turn off all equipment used during the lab session. This
includes gas valves, heating devices, and electrical equipment. Return shared equipment
to its default setting.

• Wash up: Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands and removing any lab
coats or gloves before leaving the lab area. Prevent potential contamination by leaving
the lab environment clean and safe for others.

• Submit reports: If required, submit any lab reports, experimental data, or findings as
per the lab's guidelines. Ensure proper documentation of the work performed during the
lab session.
Safety first,
science always!