Are Electrons in Different Energy States Responsible for Variations in Power Output?

In summary, the number of kinds of electrons is not relevant to determining the difference in power between different voltage systems. This is because voltage is like force and it determines the amount of current that can flow through a resistance. Each welding system is designed for a specific voltage to achieve the desired amperage. The SI unit of charge is the coulomb, which is determined by the steady flow of current over time.
  • #1
abrogard
99
3
Simple level question this:

How many kinds of electrons are there?

Like if 1 Amp = 6.24 x 10^18 electrons and Watts = Amps x Volts then in our local 240V system the watts = 240.

= 0.24 kW.

Now if we take that 1 Amp in an American 120Volt system then the Watts = 120W.

So the same stream of electrons - 1 coulomb per second - 6.24 x 10^18 electrons per second produces two different amounts of power.

If you're paying for it and you run the system for one hour you pay for 0.24kWh on one system and 0.12kWh on the other.

Where is the difference in power?

Is it that the electrons are in different energy states?

And what's the relevance of this to stick welding where rods are rated by current, Amps and welders are rated by current and thicknesses of metals are rated as requiring this or that current.

So if a stick works best at 100A and say 3/8"metal requires 100A if you go at it with a 240V system you are putting twice as much energy into it as a 120V system would. Right?

Actually of course the voltages in question with the welders would be the DC open circuit voltages they specify but the principle is the same. A 50V welder as against a 25V welder would be putting twice as much energy into the weld. I assume.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
All electrons are the same. Kinda obviously, since you set it up that way, voltage is different in the two scenarios you gave. And since power is volts times amps, the power is different.

Voltage is like force. It determines how much current you can push through the same resistance. Your two welding systems are each designed for whatever voltage they need to get the amperage they need. You can't just change the voltage and expect the amperage to be the same.
 
  • #3
abrogard said:
Like if 1 Amp = 6.24 x 10^18 electrons...

You are confusing quantity of charge with its rate of flow.
 
  • #4
russ_watters said:
All electrons are the same. Kinda obviously, since you set it up that way, voltage is different in the two scenarios you gave. And since power is volts times amps, the power is different.

Voltage is like force. It determines how much current you can push through the same resistance. Your two welding systems are each designed for whatever voltage they need to get the amperage they need. You can't just change the voltage and expect the amperage to be the same.

that's not an answer. that's my question.
 
  • #5
Integrand said:
You are confusing quantity of charge with its rate of flow.

maybe I am but i need it spelled out for me, this looks pretty unambiguous (wikipedia):

The SI unit of charge, the coulomb, "is the quantity of electricity carried in 1 second by a current of 1 ampere". Conversely, a current of one ampere is one coulomb of charge going past a given point per second: In general, charge Q is determined by steady current I flowing for a time t as Q = It.
 
  • #6
abrogard said:
that's not an answer. that's my question.
What, exactly, is your question?
maybe I am but i need it spelled out for me, this looks pretty unambiguous (wikipedia):

The SI unit of charge, the coulomb, "is the quantity of electricity carried in 1 second by a current of 1 ampere". Conversely, a current of one ampere isone coulomb of charge going past a given point per second: In general, charge Q is determined by steady current I flowing for a time t as Q = It.
What do you need spelled out for you that isn't there?
 

1. What are electrons in electricity?

Electrons are tiny negatively charged particles that are found in the outer shells of atoms. They are responsible for carrying electrical charge and are the fundamental building blocks of electricity.

2. How do electrons move in electricity?

In electricity, electrons move through a conductor, such as a metal wire, in response to an electric field. This movement of electrons is called an electric current and is what powers our electronic devices.

3. What is the role of electrons in circuits?

In a circuit, electrons flow from the negative terminal of a battery to the positive terminal, creating a closed loop. This flow of electrons is what allows electricity to power devices and complete tasks, such as turning on a lightbulb or charging a phone.

4. Can electricity exist without electrons?

No, electricity cannot exist without electrons. Electrons are the fundamental carriers of electrical charge and without them, there would be no movement of charge and thus, no electricity.

5. How do electrons generate electricity?

Electrons generate electricity through a process called electromagnetic induction. This is when a magnet moving near a conductor, such as a wire, creates a flow of electrons, generating an electric current. This is how generators and power plants produce electricity to power our homes and businesses.

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
45
Views
9K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
3K
Back
Top