What is defined as an electric current that periodically reverses direction?

The definition of an electric current that periodically reverses direction is characterized as alternating current (AC). In AC, the flow of electric charge changes direction periodically, which means that the voltage also alternates between positive and negative values over time. This is distinct from other types of currents, such as direct current (DC), where the electric charge flows in a single direction consistently.

The characteristics of AC make it suitable for powering homes and businesses because it can be easily transformed to different voltage levels, which improves transmission efficiency over long distances. It is the standard form of electrical power delivered through residential and commercial electrical grids.

In contrast, electric pulses are short bursts of electric energy that do not specifically refer to a consistent pattern of direction in the current, while static electricity deals with the buildup of electric charge rather than the flow of current. Each of these concepts plays a distinct role in the broader understanding of electricity, but they do not embody the specific periodic reversal characteristic that defines alternating current.