Conceptual animation illustrating the difference between AC and DC.

The top wire carries a continuous direct current (DC). The bottom wire carries an alternating current (AC). The blue glows represent the magnetic fields arising from the moving charges. DC current typically comes from a battery, while AC is supplied in mains electricity. The glowing balls represent electrons that carry a single negative charge. There is an electron drift during current flow in a wire, but the actual movement of the electrons is much more complex than shown here.