What is DC current?

• A. Alternating current; electrons flow first in one direction and then in the other
• B. Current flows in one direction only
• C. Static electricity
• D. It fluctuates with the load

Answer: (B)

Direct current is current that travels in a single, steady direction. In DC, the charges move from the source toward the load without reversing direction, as seen with a battery or a DC power supply. The direction stays fixed (the magnitude can change with the circuit, but the flow doesn’t flip back and forth). This distinguishes it from alternating current, where the direction of flow reverses periodically. Static electricity is a buildup of charge at rest, not a continuous flow of current. Saying it fluctuates with the load isn’t the defining feature of DC, since both DC and AC can vary with load; the defining trait of DC is unidirectional flow.