jævnstrømme

Jævnstrømme, or direct currents, refer to the unidirectional flow of electric charge. In a direct current circuit, the electric charge flows continuously from one terminal to another. This is in contrast to alternating current (AC), where the direction of the charge flow reverses periodically.

The most common source of direct current is a battery, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy, producing a constant voltage and thus a steady flow of electrons. Other sources of DC include solar cells, fuel cells, and DC generators. The output of a DC power supply is also direct current.

In a simple DC circuit, components such as resistors, lamps, and motors are connected in a loop. The direction of current flow is conventionally defined as from the positive terminal of the voltage source to the negative terminal, although in reality, electrons flow from the negative to the positive terminal.

Direct current is crucial for powering many electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and most battery-operated appliances. It is also used in electroplating, welding, and in the transmission of electricity over long distances in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems, which can be more efficient than AC for certain applications. The voltage in a DC system is typically stable, making it ideal for sensitive electronic components.