Comparison Basis

AC

DC

Energy Transmission Capacity

Travels over long distance with minimal Energy loss

Large amount of energy is lost when sent over long distances

Generation Basics

 Rotating a Magnet along a wire.

Steady Magnetism along a wire

Frequency

Usually 50Hz or 60Hz depending on Country

Frequency is Zero

Direction

Reverses direction periodically when flowing through a circuit

It steady constant flow in one direction.

Current

Its Magnitude Vary with time

Constant Magnitude

Source

All forms of AC Generators and Mains

Cells, batteries, Conversion from AC

Passive Parameters

Impedance (RC, RLC, etc)

Resistance Only

Power Factor

Lies between 0&1

Always 1

Waveform

Sinusoidal, Trapezoidal, Triangular and Square

Straight line, sometimes Pulsating.