The forum discussion centers on the behavior of current in electrical circuits, specifically addressing the misconception that current is "used up" by devices like light bulbs and heaters. Participants clarify that current, defined as the flow of electrons, remains constant throughout a closed circuit, as per Kirchhoff's Current Law. The energy consumed by electrical devices is converted into other forms, such as heat or light, but the actual flow of electrons does not diminish. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between current and energy, asserting that while energy is dissipated, the current itself is not depleted.
PREREQUISITESElectrical engineering students, electricians, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of electrical circuits and the behavior of current in practical applications.
Drakkith said:Let me ask of you this. Can you explain how it works WITHOUT using either of the terms energy or power? Neither of them really explain anything to me. (And I don't think they either of them can "flow" since they aren't physical objects)
sophiecentaur said:Firstly, is anything, a truly 'physical object' except in as far as you can sort of identify it as having a localised region of influence? Is the wave function of an electron when it's in a bound state 'really' a physical object?
If someone 'generates' some Power in a Power Station and someone uses that Power in their home then something can be said to have 'flowed' from A to B.
Surely this thread can't get us anywhere because all we are doing is comparing various models, some of which are better than others.
How else would you get to the answer? Comparing models and asking questions about them seems like a very good way to learn.Surely this thread can't get us anywhere because all we are doing is comparing various models, some of which are better than others.
Which is why I am asking to avoid talking about energy or power. Neither of those terms refer to anything specific, but only to the overall effect. I KNOW power flows from here to there or whatever, but I don't know how. And I agree that there are no absolute answers, but only answers of varying accuracy.Without some current flowing, there is no power transfer and so it seems to be reasonable to associate the two.
sophiecentaur said:"The answer"?
I did wonder about the comment on the Power being due to magnetic fields - that doesn't take the transmission voltage into account or the fact that DC through a Transformer winding (high B field) would, somehow, be different from power along a straight wire of the same resistance.