Power Supply
Definition
A power supply is an electronic device that supplies electric energy to an electrical load.
Analogy
Consider power supply as your school cafeteria providing food (energy) to students (electrical loads). Without the cafeteria, students wouldn't get the energy they need to function throughout the day.
Related terms
Load: This is an electrical component or portion of a circuit that consumes electric power. It's like the student in our analogy.
Direct Current (DC): This is one type of electrical current which flows consistently in one direction. A DC power supply provides this kind of current.
Alternating Current (AC): This is another type of electrical current where the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. An AC power supply provides this kind of current.
"Power Supply" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.