What type of current is used to charge a battery?

Charging a battery requires the use of direct current (DC). This is because batteries store energy in a specific polarity, which means they have positive and negative terminals. For a battery to charge properly, the current must flow in a unidirectional manner, aligning with the internal chemical processes that store the energy. Direct current provides this type of flow, allowing electrons to move consistently in one direction, enabling the battery to accumulate charge effectively.

Alternating current (AC), on the other hand, periodically reverses its direction. This would hinder the charging process as the flow of electrons would constantly switch back and forth, making it impossible for the battery to build up a stable charge.

While both AC and DC currents have their respective applications in different systems, batteries specifically require DC for charging to ensure the optimal functioning and longevity of the battery's chemistry.