Alternating & Direct Currents

I have been notified that when I talked about Nikola Tesla, I was not clear on the difference between AC (alternating currents) & DC (direct- current) electricity.

AC current is a specific type of electric current in which the direction of the current's flow is reversed, or alternated, regularly. Direct current is no different electrically from alternating current except for the fact that it flows in the same direction at all times.

AC is like doing "line jumping" exercises; going back and forth really fast

DC is like running a lap around a gym; go down on one side, then come back on the other

<-- AC <-- DC

KEY:

* - electrons

<> - direction the electrons are moving

l - pole

__ - wire

Hopefully, my explanation and images cleared up any questions :)