Why do we use a high voltage and not a high current?

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SUMMARY

High voltage is utilized in long-distance power transmission to enhance efficiency by minimizing heat loss in conductors. The heat loss in a resistor is defined by the equation P=I²R, indicating that power loss is directly proportional to current. By employing high voltage, the current remains low, as described by the relationship P=VI, allowing for reduced energy loss during transmission. This principle is crucial for optimizing electrical energy distribution from generators.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical power equations (P=VI and P=I²R)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical resistance and conductors
  • Familiarity with the concept of energy conservation in electrical systems
  • Awareness of the implications of current and voltage in power transmission
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of high voltage transmission on energy efficiency
  • Explore the design and materials used in high voltage power lines
  • Learn about transformer technology and its role in voltage regulation
  • Investigate the safety measures associated with high voltage systems
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, students studying power systems, and professionals involved in energy distribution will benefit from this discussion.

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Why over long distance power transmissions do we use a high voltage and not a high current?

I'm curious about this, I have a test tomorrow and totally forgot to ask the teacher for the answer and got a test tomorrow. :bugeye:
I'd appreciate if someone could help me out here!
Thanks.
 
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We use high voltage so it's more efficient because current takes up the wires and less wires is good :p

By wires, I mean cable.. sorry for my crappy english.
 
The heat loss in a resistor (or wire) is given by the equation,

[tex]P=I^2 R[/tex]

if you notice, the heat loss (or power loss) is proportional to the current.

And the reason why we have high voltage is because we have low current with high voltage. This is given by the relation

[tex]P=VI[/tex]

Since, because of conservation of energy, there is a fixed amount of electrical energy the generator can produce at a certain instant. Therefore, if you have P as a constant and you will see that voltage is inversely proportional to the current.

: )
 

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