there are two types of electricity used to perform work, such as lighting bulbs or running motors. Direct current (DC), as its name implies, is a current that flows in one direction only. Batteries develop this type of energy. The second type of energy used today to perform useful work is alternating current (AC). Unlike its converse, direct current, the direction of alternating current flow reverses with regularity.
GENERATING ALTERNATING CURRENT
An AC generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The AC generator, also called an alternator, is capable of producing an alternating voltage by utilizing the principles of electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction is the process of inducing a voltage in a conductor by passing it through a magnetic field.