What is a major advantage of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC)?

One of the major advantages of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC) is that voltage and current can easily be increased or decreased. This is primarily due to the use of transformers in AC systems, which allow for the efficient changing of voltage levels. When electrical power is transmitted over long distances, higher voltages can be used to reduce energy losses due to resistance in power lines. At the receiving end, the voltage can be stepped down to a safer and more usable level for residential and commercial consumption.

In contrast, DC systems do not have the same ease of voltage transformation, requiring more complex solutions to adjust voltage levels, which can lead to increased costs and inefficiencies. This capacity for voltage flexibility makes AC the preferred choice for power distribution in modern electrical grids, supporting a more efficient and versatile electrical system.