Understanding the Speed of Power Transfer in Electrical Currents

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The speed of power transfer in electrical currents involves both the speed of electrons and the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) fields. While the actual speed of electrons in a conductor is around 10^6 m/s, the electric and magnetic fields generated by these moving charges propagate at the speed of light. This means that although electrons move slowly, the effects of their motion, such as the current, are felt almost instantaneously due to the rapid propagation of the EM fields. For example, a 60 Hz oscillation creates a low-frequency EM field, while higher frequencies like those used in AM and FM radio operate in the hundreds of kHz to MHz range. Understanding this distinction clarifies the relationship between electron motion and the speed of current.
kiamzattu
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Hi
I've a small doubt regardin the speed of power transfer.v know tat electric current produces electric and magnetic field around it. So is it an EM wave? if its so then it should travel at velocity of light right? on the other hand the speed of electrons in a conductor is around 10^6 m/s. since motion of electrons is current, what is d actual speed of current? is it d velocity of light or speed of electrons?

Regards
Anand
 
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The 'current' is related to the speed of the electrons (and their charge) in the wire.

Each charge produces an electric field, and a moving charge (current) produces a magnetic field. Electric and magnetic fields propagate at the speed of light.

A 60 Hz oscillation would produce a varying EM field of 60 Hz, which is very, very low frequency. Consider AM radio is hundred of kHZ (or 0.5 - 1.7 MHz), FM radio is (~88-107) MHz, and microwave is on the order of GHz.
 

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