What type of electric current moves first in one direction and then in the opposite direction?

The type of electric current that moves first in one direction and then in the opposite direction is alternating current. This is characterized by the periodic reversal of its direction, meaning the voltage alternates between positive and negative values. This behavior is typical in AC systems, which are commonly used for power transmission and in household electricity supply.

In contrast, direct current flows steadily in one direction, meaning it does not reverse. Voltage current is not a standard term used in electrical engineering, so it doesn’t apply to the characteristics of current flow. Static current is a term generally used to refer to the accumulation of electric charge on an object, not a type of current flow, as it does not involve a continuous movement of charge. Thus, understanding the definition and behavior of alternating current helps clarify why it is the correct answer for this question.