What is the term for a flow of electric charge that regularly reverses its direction?

The term for a flow of electric charge that regularly reverses its direction is Alternating Current (AC). In AC, the electric current changes its direction periodically, allowing for efficient transmission of electricity over long distances. This characteristic makes AC suitable for powering homes and businesses, as it can easily be transformed to different voltages, which is vital for minimizing energy losses during transmission.

In contrast, Direct Current (DC) flows consistently in one direction and is often used in battery-powered devices. Steady Current indicates a constant current but does not specify a reversal in direction, which is a crucial element of AC. Pulsating Current refers to a type of current that fluctuates in amplitude rather than reversing direction like AC does. Thus, AC is the accurate term for a current that regularly reverses direction.