Which statement correctly describes direct current in terms of direction?

• A. It alternates direction
• B. It flows in one direction
• C. It changes direction randomly
• D. It stops periodically

Answer: (B)

Direct current always moves in a single, fixed direction. In a DC circuit, charges flow from the source toward the load without reversing course, so the flow is steady in one direction. This is what distinguishes DC from alternating current, where the direction of flow reverses in a regular cycle. Real DC sources can have small changes in magnitude (ripples), but the overall direction remains constant. Batteries, solar cells, and DC power supplies are common sources of this kind of current. Descriptions that say the current reverses, changes direction randomly, or stops periodically describe alternating or interrupted flow, not direct current.