DC Definition and Meaning

DC stands for Direct Current. Before entering fully into the establishment of the meaning of the term direct current, we are going to discover the etymological origin of the two words that give it its name:
-Current derives from Latin, specifically from “curren, currentis” which can be translated as “the one that run”. It is the result of the sum of two clearly defined components: the verb “currere”, which means “to run”, and the suffix “-nte”, which is used to indicate “agent”.
-Continua also derives from Latin, in its case from “continuus”, which can be translated as “lasting without interruption”. It was formed from the sum of three elements: the prefix “with-“, which is synonymous with “together”; the verb “tenere”, which means “to hold”, and the suffix “-uo”.

Direct current is an electric current that, while it flows, keeps the same direction. In this way it differs from alternating current, which periodically changes its direction.

It should be noted that electric current is the flow of charges through a conductor (a material that, due to its characteristics, facilitates the passage of electricity). The electric charge, on the other hand, is a physical property possessed by particles such as electrons and protons, manifested by the forces of attraction and rejection between them.

When the flow of electric current through a conductor does not change direction, it is a direct current. This means that, regardless of the time that elapses, the direction of the current flow does not change: the electric charges always flow in the same direction.

According to abbreviationfinder, it is important to keep in mind that the direct current (abbreviated as CC for its acronym, or as DC for the English expression direct current) is not necessarily constant in terms of its intensity. An electric battery discharges and loses intensity, even when it has direct current because it maintains the same polarity.

With direct current, in short, the subatomic particles always move in the same direction, from the positive pole to the negative pole. If you want to transform alternating current into direct current, you can use the element known as a rectifier, which can be full wave or half wave.

In general, equipment that uses direct current does not have protection against a change in polarity. That is why it is key to respect the positive pole and the negative pole when using batteries or batteries, for example.

Other data of interest about direct current are the following:
-It can also be called galvanic current.
-The first commercial electrical network, developed by Thomas Edison at the end of the 19th century, was known to use direct current.
-The transformation of direct current into alternating current is really complex but not the other way around.
-As a general rule, direct current is used in applications where a low voltage is needed. This can happen, for example, in systems where the energy is produced by photovoltaic cells and even by batteries.
-Currently, unlike centuries, what is most used in transport networks is alternating current due to the advantages it brings.