Which statement best describes alternating current?

Alternating current (AC) is characterized by its ability to change direction periodically, which is accurately reflected in the correct statement that describes it as traveling in two directions. Unlike direct current (DC), which flows consistently in one direction, AC reverses its flow, allowing the current to alternate back and forth. This alternating nature occurs frequently, typically at a frequency of 50 or 60 hertz, which means the current changes direction multiple times every second.

The other statements do not accurately describe alternating current. For instance, the description of AC as traveling only in one direction misrepresents its fundamental property. Similarly, stating that AC has a constant flow is misleading since the flow is not constant but alternates. The claim that AC is produced by chemical means is also incorrect, as AC is typically generated by mechanical processes in generators or other forms of electromagnetic induction, rather than through chemical reactions. This understanding of alternating current is crucial in various applications, particularly in residential and commercial energy consumption.