The discovery and development of **AC (Alternating Current)** and **DC (Direct Current)** are attributed to different inventors, each contributing to the understanding and practical use of these types of electrical current.
### **Direct Current (DC)**
* **Inventor:** **Thomas Edison**
* **Contribution:** Thomas Edison is most commonly associated with the development of DC power systems. In the late 19th century, he built the first practical DC electric power station in New York City. Edison's work focused on using direct current for powering electric lights and other appliances. However, DC had limitations, especially for long-distance transmission.
### **Alternating Current (AC)**
* **Inventor:** **Nikola Tesla**
* **Contribution:** Nikola Tesla is credited with developing the modern form of alternating current. He developed key technologies for AC power generation and transmission, which proved to be more efficient over long distances than DC. Tesla's AC system was commercialized by George Westinghouse, who was instrumental in bringing Tesla's inventions to market.
### **The War of Currents**
* Thomas Edison (DC) and George Westinghouse (AC) were central figures in the "War of Currents" in the late 1800s, where Edison tried to promote DC, while Westinghouse, using Tesla's AC system, eventually prevailed due to its superior efficiency for long-distance transmission.
To summarize:
* **DC** was largely developed and promoted by **Thomas Edison**.
* **AC** was primarily developed by **Nikola Tesla**, with **George Westinghouse** playing a key role in its commercialization and adoption.