- #1
steve102
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What is electricity? Let me use the example of turning on a light in a room.
I have been told that when I flip the switch, electrons flow in the wire at near the speed of light, and that is electricity.
I have also been told that electricity propagates as a field between the two wires, and the energy is in that field.
Further, I have heard of some phenomenon -- called drift current perhaps -- where there is a net accumulation or depletion of electrons in a wire over a period of a few seconds. Or, some propagation effect whereby electrons move only a few centimeters per second. Is there anything like this?
Thank you for considering my question.
I have been told that when I flip the switch, electrons flow in the wire at near the speed of light, and that is electricity.
I have also been told that electricity propagates as a field between the two wires, and the energy is in that field.
Further, I have heard of some phenomenon -- called drift current perhaps -- where there is a net accumulation or depletion of electrons in a wire over a period of a few seconds. Or, some propagation effect whereby electrons move only a few centimeters per second. Is there anything like this?
Thank you for considering my question.