Is it similar to the waves on the surface of an ocean, where the particles go 2 steps forward and 1 step back in waves? If so, what makes it do that? Why would that be used instead of DC current?
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Think about a saw moving back and forth to cut through wood. The saw doesn’t go anywhere but it still converts energy to work on the wood. This is similar to how AC brings energy to a device.
AC is useful for working with electromagnets, because when electric fields change quickly they cause stronger magnetic fields, and these magnetic fields can be used to turn objects. Most electric generators use a rotating device to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Also, it is easier to “step down” or “step up” voltage using AC, since it allows us to use a transformer. This means we can start with 1kV and step it up to 100kV, or some other amount, by trading current for voltage through the transformer. It is much harder to change voltage with DC.
When AC travels down long transmission lines, it loses some energy due to current losses. By making the current lower and the voltage higher, we can reduce these current losses over long distances.
Then, when it reaches your neighborhood, the voltage can be stepped back down to 120v for your wall outlet.
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