Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What is an example of a device that uses alternating current (AC)?

1. Hair dryer

2. Magnifying lamp

3. Batteries

4. Laptops

The correct answer is: Magnifying lamp

The correct answer is the magnifying lamp because it is commonly used in esthetics and relies on alternating current (AC) for its operation. Alternating current is the type of electrical current that reverses direction periodically, and it is supplied by standard electrical outlets, making it suitable for devices like magnifying lamps which require a stable power supply for their lighting systems. Hair dryers, while they do use AC in most cases, are primarily designed for using heat and airflow and may not represent the typical application noticed in esthetics as much as a magnifying lamp does. Batteries, on the other hand, deliver direct current (DC) rather than alternating current, which is important to note since they provide a different type of electrical flow altogether. Laptops also use both AC and DC, but they mainly run on DC when operating from their internal battery after being charged through an AC adapter. Thus, while hair dryers and laptops can technically function on AC, the magnifying lamp serves as a prime example within the context of esthetic procedures where AC is commonly utilized for lighting.