Because of the chemicals and metals which are used to make it, a battery can only produce dc (direct current).
For the same reason a battery cannot produce ac (alternating current) on its own, but it can be connected to another device, which is called an invertor, to produce ac for use by devices which require ac instead of dc.
Many of the devices and other pieces of equipment to which a battery can be connected will only work on direct current (such as, for example, car starter motors) but some things (such as light bulbs) can work on either dc or ac.
Some batteries are rechargeable but they cannot be recharged using ac . That is why all battery chargers which are designed to plug into house ac power sockets must convert the ac to dc.
For more information please see the answers to the Related Questions shown below.
A current consisting of charges that flow only in one direction is called direct current (DC). In DC, electrons flow continuously in one direction from the negative to the positive terminal of a power source.
Two-way current is called alternating current (AC). In AC, the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, unlike direct current (DC) where the flow of electric charge remains in one direction.
Batteries and generators provide DC, Direct Current electricity.
direct current
The SI unit of EMF (electromotive force) in a direct current circuit is Volts. The circuits current is measured in ampere's
direct current
Rectification
direct current.
No, the continuous flow of charge in a circuit is called electric current. Direct current (DC) refers to the flow of electric charge in a single direction, whereas alternating current (AC) changes direction periodically.
A current consisting of charges that flow only in one direction is called direct current (DC). In DC, electrons flow continuously in one direction from the negative to the positive terminal of a power source.
It's called an inverter.
A device called an inverter is used to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter switches the direction of the current flow at a rapid rate, creating an alternating current output from the direct current input.
It's alternating current
A diode or rectifier converts AC to DC.
(a) A current flowing in one direction only; -- distinguished from alternating current. When steady and not pulsating a direct current is often called a continuous current. (b) A direct induced current, or momentary current of the same direction as the inducing current, produced by stopping or removing the latter; also, a similar current produced by removal of a magnet.
DC or direct current
That is called "DC" or "direct current".