Final answer:
The path of an alternating electrical current in devices such as hair dryers and curling irons is oscillating. Alternating current (AC) periodically reverses its direction and varies in magnitude, differing from direct current (DC) used in cars, which flows in only one direction with a constant voltage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The path of an alternating electrical current in devices such as hair dryers and curling irons is oscillating. This means that the electric charge periodically reverses direction, smoothly increasing up to a maximum current and then decreasing back to zero before growing again in the opposite direction. Unlike direct current (DC) which flows in only one direction with a constant voltage alternating current (AC) varies in direction and magnitude at regular intervals of time typically in a sinusoidal manner.
For comparison, the type of current used in cars is direct current (DC) where the flow of electric charge is in only one direction and the source voltage remains constant. In contrast devices designed for household use which are meant to be plugged into wall sockets typically run on AC because the residential and commercial power grid supplies alternating current.