Question

Is a laptop AC or DC?

Answer 1

Laptops use both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) in their operation. When plugged into a wall outlet, the laptop's power adapter converts the AC power from the outlet into DC power, which is then used to charge the laptop's battery and power its components. The laptop itself operates on DC power.

Answer 2

Laptops use both AC and DC power in different parts of their operation.

1. **AC Power:**
   - When you plug your laptop into an electrical outlet, it receives Alternating Current (AC) power from the wall socket. This is because the electrical grid supplies power in the form of AC, which is efficient for long-distance transmission.

2. **DC Power:**
   - Inside the laptop, this AC power is converted to Direct Current (DC) power by the laptop's power adapter or charger. Laptops require DC power to operate, as most of their internal components, like the processor, memory, and storage, run on DC.
   - The power adapter's job is to convert the AC power from the wall into the appropriate DC voltage needed for the laptop's components.

So, to sum it up: the laptop itself operates on DC power, but it receives AC power from the wall, which is then converted by the laptop’s power adapter into DC power.