Chapter 1: Introduction to Alternating Current

Vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 1: Introduction to Alternating Current covering key figures, concepts, and historical facts.

Alternating Current (AC)

A form of electrical power that provides over $90\%$ of the world's electrical power requirements.

Direct Current (DC)

The most widely used form of electricity during the early years of electrical power distribution.

Thomas Edison

An outspoken competitor in the early years of electrical power who staked his reputation and business on direct current (DC) systems.

George Westinghouse

An outspoken competitor who won the electrical power dispute by championing alternating current (AC) systems.

Nikola Tesla

The technical genius who developed the AC transformers and motors that gave George Westinghouse an edge over Thomas Edison's DC systems.

1970s Downtown DC Distribution

The decade up to which a few large American cities continued to utilize DC power distribution in their downtown areas.

Ohm's Law

A fundamental electrical law used alongside Watt's law to explain simple circuit behavior in both DC and AC contexts.

Watt's Law

An electrical principle used in conjunction with Ohm's law to explain simple circuit behavior.