Direct current (DC) has which characteristic?

• A. It travels in one direction
• B. It changes direction
• C. It stops periodically
• D. It travels at variable speed

Answer: (A)

Unidirectional current flow defines direct current. In DC, charge moves in a single direction around the circuit, from higher potential to lower potential, so the current’s direction stays fixed over time. This is what distinguishes DC from alternating current, which reverses direction each cycle. The magnitude of DC can be steady or vary with time if the source isn’t ideal, but the essential feature is that the direction doesn’t reverse. That’s why traveling in one direction is the correct characteristic.