- #31
Blank_Stare
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berkeman said:No worries. We don't allow debunking here, since it uses up electrons that are already tired from their journey...
RAWR!
Does electricty gain / lose power traveling up / down hill? [Not]
- Thread starter Blank_Stare
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- Altitude Electricty Gain Hill Power
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the assertion made by a participant's boss regarding the economic reasons for not burying power lines, specifically the claim that gravity affects the cost of delivering electricity uphill. Participants explore the validity of this claim, questioning the influence of altitude on electrical power transmission and the practicality of underground power lines.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses skepticism about the claim that gravity significantly impacts the cost of delivering electricity uphill, suggesting it sounds outrageous based on their experience with electricity over 40 years.
- Another participant dismisses the boss's assertion as nonsense, indicating that it doesn't warrant serious consideration.
- Some participants share that they have never heard of the claim before and suggest asking for sources to substantiate it.
- A participant recounts a story about a local resident optimizing the placement of their photovoltaic array to minimize elevation gain, which raises questions about the relevance of altitude in power transmission.
- One participant mentions the high costs associated with burying power lines, citing a source that indicates underground lines can be significantly more expensive than overhead lines.
- Another participant introduces the concept of drift velocity of electrons, noting that in AC circuits, electrons oscillate rather than move in a net direction, which may imply limited impact from gravity.
- Some participants discuss the electromagnetic forces in conductors, suggesting that these forces outweigh any gravitational effects on electrons.
- A humorous suggestion is made about conducting a prank on the boss related to the topic, indicating a light-hearted tone in parts of the discussion.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not agree with the claim that gravity significantly affects electricity transmission costs. Multiple competing views exist regarding the influence of altitude on electrical power, with some participants questioning the validity of the original assertion while others seek to explore the topic further.
Contextual Notes
Some participants express uncertainty about how to search for scientific information related to the topic, indicating a lack of clear definitions or established sources on the matter. The discussion includes references to anecdotal experiences and personal views, which may not be backed by scientific evidence.
RAWR!
- #32
jim hardy
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- #33
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See post #24Blank_Stare said:
- #34
Blank_Stare
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phinds said:
I would consider asking him about that, if I had any grasp on the material. Maybe after I browse that article a few more times, I will have some clue, but as it stands... see my avatar...jim hardy said:
You know, it occurs to me that I have forgotten to ask him about his views regarding the shape of the earth, the location of the center of the universe, and the actual age of creation...
Maybe I'll let those dogs lie?
- #35
berkeman
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Yeah, just walk away.Blank_Stare said:
Or just for fun, have a tinfoil hat handy anytime you are talking with him. If he brings up any BS issues, just pull out the tinfoil hat and don it. Say you got the advice to guard your brain from his BS on the Physics Forums. That should short circuit his brain... Are you trained in CPR?
- #36
berkeman
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Actually I just got reminded that we don't waste elecrons debunking nonsense on the PF, so this thread needs to be closed. The link from @jim hardy is the best scientific reference to tie off this thread with. 
jim hardy said:
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