Does electricty gain / lose power traveling up / down hill? [Not]

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The discussion centers around the misconception that electricity loses power when traveling uphill, which a participant's boss claims is why power lines are not buried. Experts in the thread argue that this assertion is nonsensical, as the gravitational effect on electrons is negligible compared to electromagnetic forces in conductors. The conversation highlights that electrons in AC circuits oscillate rather than move in a net direction, making altitude changes irrelevant to power loss. Additionally, the high costs associated with burying power lines are attributed to construction and maintenance, not gravitational factors. Overall, the consensus is that the boss's theory lacks scientific backing and is likely a misunderstanding of electrical principles.
  • #31
berkeman said:
No worries. We don't allow debunking here, since it uses up electrons that are already tired from their journey... :biggrin:

:iseewhatyoudid:

RAWR!
 
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  • #33
Blank_Stare said:
I think I have been beaten... people are just going to believe whatever they want to believe.
See post #24
 
  • #34
phinds said:
See post #24
:bow:

jim hardy 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...

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
Blank_Stare said:
Maybe I'll let those dogs lie?
Yeah, just walk away.

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? o0)
 
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