What type of electricity flows steadily in one direction only?

Direct current (DC) refers to a type of electricity that flows steadily in one direction. This is a key characteristic that differentiates it from alternating current (AC), which constantly changes direction. In a direct current circuit, the electrons travel from the negative terminal to the positive terminal consistently, making it ideal for applications where a stable and constant voltage is required, such as in batteries and electronic devices.

The nature of direct current means that it is used in many low-voltage applications, including portable devices and electronics. Understanding this fundamental property of DC is essential for electroencephalographic technologists, as it relates to the functioning of various medical devices that may rely on stable electrical input for accurate readings.

In this context, while terms like ampere (a unit of measurement for electric current) and magnetism (a physical phenomenon) have relevance in the discussion of electricity, they do not define the specific type of electrical flow being described in the question. Thus, direct current is the accurate answer, as it uniquely describes a steady flow of electricity in one direction.