Need Help: Understanding Conventional Current, Electron Flow & AC vs DC

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concepts of conventional current versus electron flow, the differences between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), and the reasons for the preference of AC systems in power distribution, particularly in Canada. It includes theoretical explanations, practical implications, and safety considerations related to these electrical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge from high to low potential, while electron flow is in the opposite direction due to historical context.
  • It is noted that the choice of AC for power distribution is primarily due to efficiency in transmission, as higher voltage and lower current reduce power loss.
  • One participant claims that DC currents are cheaper than AC, although this assertion is challenged by others who question the basis of this claim.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of DC versus AC shocks, with some participants suggesting that DC shocks are more harmful than AC shocks.
  • Participants discuss the phenomenon of skin effect, where higher frequency AC is said to be less harmful due to its confinement to the surface of conductors.
  • There is mention of the periodic nature of AC, which allows for a "let go" effect during zero crossings, contrasting with the continuous nature of DC.
  • One participant points out that the effective voltage of AC is lower than its peak value, which is a factor in its perceived safety.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the safety of DC versus AC and the economic implications of using one over the other. There is no clear consensus on the claims regarding the cost-effectiveness of DC or the relative dangers of shocks from each type of current.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the safety of AC versus DC shocks and the economic aspects of using DC are not substantiated with detailed evidence, leaving these points open for further exploration and clarification.

daisy_polly
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need help!

Hi,

I am preparing for an exam and I really need help in understanding these concepts.

The difference between conventional current and electron flow. Also explain why were these two conventions developed?

How is direct current different from alternating current,and why is the alternating current system chosen in Canada?

Thanks in advance :frown:
Need help fast
Daisy
 
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Originally posted by daisy_polly
The difference between conventional current and electron flow. Also explain why were these two conventions developed?
I'm assuming that, by conventional current, you mean the abstract idea that protons are positive and electrons are negative, and that this conventional current flows from high (positive charge) to low (negative charge).

The difference is very simply stated (but don't be discouraged that it didn't occur to you, because it's just one of those things that you have to be told): Electrons flow in the opposite direction of conventional current. Why? Because the electron wasn't well enough understood at the time the convention was established.

One thing to note: the convention does not affect the physics of circuits, only the way you do calculations. It does come to issue when dealing with magnetism, which is how it was determined that the negative charges are actually the ones flowing (see the hall effect).




Originally posted by daisy_polly
How is direct current different from alternating current, ...
Direct current does not alternate (in polarity). Meaning, the direction that you draw the arrows on a circuit to represent the current do not change for direct current. Alternating current alternates (in polarity). Meaning, the side at which current enters a circuit element and the side at which current leaves a circuit element alternate periodically.

DC and AC also mean something more general than just referring to current. They are used in the most general sense to characterize any electrical signal, not just current (i.e. DC can mean a steady voltage level whereas AC would mean a voltage that varies periodically/sinusoidally).




Originally posted by daisy_polly
... why is the alternating current system chosen in Canada?
It is chosen everywhere in the world. It is chosen for the sake of power distribution. Loss occurs in transmission lines do to current. So, if you transmit the same amount of power at a lower current but higher voltage, then you don't lose as much power. The most effecient way to make the conversion is using transformers, but transformers only work with AC.
 
It is chosen everywhere in the world. It is chosen for the sake of power distribution. Loss occurs in transmission lines do to current. So, if you transmit the same amount of power at a lower current but higher voltage, then you don't lose as much power. The most effecient way to make the conversion is using transformers, but transformers only work with AC.

I believe DC Currents are much Cheaper than AC

So far the Q concerned Mostly AC is used coz of shocks

DC shocks are more harmful than AC
 
Originally posted by himanshu121
I believe DC Currents are much Cheaper than AC


DC shocks are more harmful than AC


Would you care to expand on this please? It is not something I have heard of. :smile:
 
What I remember hearing in High School, is that the higher the frequency of the current, the more the current is confined on the surface of the thing it passes through (eg, you).

We did this experiment with a high-frequency Tesla Coil, and although it had something of a 10,000V voltage, it was still safe to touch. Something that I wouldn't recommend with a DC. The teacher mentioned something about most classroom experiments with Tesla Coils being banned in most European countries (but not here, yay! ). I believe this came to be after the death of a student in France.
 
Yes exactly what Dimitri said in addition AC moves in sinusodial waves wheras this is not true for a DC current.

So there are possibility that u will get uneven and less deprived shocks in different cycles not true for DC,
 
The way I have always thought of it is 60Hz let's go of you every 1/120 sec (every zero crossing). DC NEVER let's go.
 
Originally posted by Integral
The way I have always thought of it is 60Hz let's go of you every 1/120 sec (every zero crossing). DC NEVER let's go.

Now that makes sense!

But what about 'cheaper'? Surely all big generators produce AC anyway?
 
Ya AC let's u go off

Due to the fact that it crosses zero coz of its sinusodial nature and the nervous system can respond to it whereas it is impossible in case of DC.
 
  • #10
Right! In a DC current you always get the maximum intensity, but due to the periodic nature of the AC you feel the maximum divide by SQRT(2), don't you?
 

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