What is a principal advantage of AC current over DC current?

The principal advantage of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC) is its ability to be transformed to high voltages for efficient transmission. This characteristic is crucial for power distribution systems. When AC is converted to higher voltages, power losses during transmission over long distances are minimized, as higher voltage levels allow for lower current levels, reducing the resistive losses in power lines.

This transformative capability is largely due to the nature of AC, which can be easily stepped up or down using transformers, making it ideal for the grid infrastructure. The increased efficiency in transmission means that electricity can be generated far from where it is used and still arrive without significant losses.

While options related to storage, resistance in conduits, and creation from solar cells may have merits in specific contexts, they do not represent the fundamental advantage that AC transmission offers in terms of efficiency and practicality for electric power delivery over long distances.