Exploring the Differences Between Water Flow and Current Flow

In summary, the direction of current flow is opposite to the flow of water, and while the analogy between the two can work for simple circuits, it breaks down when considering semiconductors and other electrical phenomena. Additionally, there is no analogy for magnetic field in fluid flow, and fluid flow involves concepts that do not occur in electrical circuits.
  • #1
mysqlpress
83
1
What are the differences between the flow of water and current flow ?

Besides the fact that the direction of current flow is opposite to the flow of e- where water molecules move in the same manner as flow of water...


many Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The analogy works well with simple voltage sources and resistors, but cannot be used to model semiconductors, antennas, and many other electrical phenomena.

For simple circuits, you are totally free to imagine that the current in a wire is a movement of positive charge high potentials to low potentials. In fact, the answers you'll get are exactly the same as those you'd get when considering negative charges moving the opposite way. When you get into semiconductors, the symmetry breaks down, however.

- Warren
 
  • #3
chroot said:
The analogy works well with simple voltage sources and resistors, but cannot be used to model semiconductors, antennas, and many other electrical phenomena.

For simple circuits, you are totally free to imagine that the current in a wire is a movement of positive charge high potentials to low potentials. In fact, the answers you'll get are exactly the same as those you'd get when considering negative charges moving the opposite way. When you get into semiconductors, the symmetry breaks down, however.

- Warren

Foamy water analogy? Bubbles moving opposite way to water, no?
 
  • #4
mysqlpress said:
What are the differences between the flow of water and current flow ?

Besides the fact that the direction of current flow is opposite to the flow of e- where water molecules move in the same manner as flow of water...


many Thanks.

Let's see: how about there's no analogy to magnetic field in fluid flow. There's two equivalent ways to describe an electrical circuit: the Thevenin and Norton eqvuivalent circuits; I'm not sure there's anything like that for fluids. Circuits can have rectifying elements, not so in fluids. Fluid flow involves concepts like stress and turbulence, those do not occur in electrical circuits, AFAIK.
 

1. How does the water flow analogy explain electricity?

The water flow analogy is a common way to visualize the movement of electricity. In this analogy, the flow of water represents the flow of electric charge. Just like water needs a closed circuit to flow, electricity also requires a complete path to flow. Similarly, the amount of water in a pipe is equivalent to the amount of electric charge in a wire, and the pressure of the water is equivalent to the voltage of the electricity.

2. Why is the water flow analogy helpful?

The water flow analogy is helpful because it allows us to understand the complex concept of electricity in a more tangible way. It also helps us to visualize the behavior of electricity in different scenarios, such as in a series circuit or a parallel circuit.

3. How is resistance represented in the water flow analogy?

In the water flow analogy, resistance is represented by the width of the pipe. Just like a narrow pipe restricts the flow of water, a high resistance restricts the flow of electric charge. This means that the wider the pipe, the lower the resistance, and the more water (or electric charge) can flow through.

4. Can the water flow analogy be used for all aspects of electricity?

The water flow analogy is a simplified representation of electricity and can be used for most aspects of it. However, it is important to note that there are limitations to the analogy, and it may not accurately represent certain concepts, such as the behavior of electrons in a circuit.

5. How does the water cycle relate to the water flow analogy?

The water cycle can be compared to the flow of electricity in a closed circuit. Just like water evaporates and condenses to form a continuous cycle, electric charge flows in a circuit in a continuous loop. This analogy can help us understand the concept of a closed circuit and the importance of having a complete path for electricity to flow.

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