Batteries typically store and provide direct current (DC). Direct current is characterized by a continuous flow of electric charge in a single direction. When a battery is connected to a circuit, it releases electrical energy in the form of DC. This is because the chemical reactions within the battery cells produce a flow of electrons in a consistent direction.
In contrast, alternating current (AC) periodically changes direction, oscillating between positive and negative cycles. AC is more commonly associated with electrical power distribution in households and commercial buildings, where it is generated by power plants and transmitted through the electrical grid.
However, it’s important to note that devices powered by batteries might have internal components, such as inverters or power supplies, that convert the stored DC power into AC if the device requires AC for its operation. This is often the case in electronic devices like laptops or some types of power tools. But at its core, a battery itself provides direct current.
