How does electricity travel so quickly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that while the drift velocity of electrons is approximately 10^-4 m/s, the energy transfer in electrical systems occurs at nearly the speed of light, resulting in electricity being delivered in microseconds. The analogy of electrons as links in a chain effectively illustrates how energy propagates through a conductor. The delay in receiving electricity is minimal, primarily due to the speed at which the energy wave travels, not the movement of individual electrons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including current and voltage.
  • Familiarity with drift velocity and thermal velocity in conductors.
  • Knowledge of wave propagation and tension in physical systems.
  • Basic principles of electromagnetic theory.
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  • Research the speed of electromagnetic waves in various materials.
  • Study the relationship between drift velocity and energy transfer in conductors.
  • Learn about the principles of wave propagation in electrical circuits.
  • Explore the implications of electron mobility on electrical conductivity.
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the rapid transmission of electrical energy in circuits.

sambarbarian
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HI! i only know about the basics of current and electricity , but, i wanted to ask this..

the drift velocity in electrons is approx 10^-4 and thermal velocity is 10^6 m/s , which is not very large compared to the length of wires connecting power stations and homes , but still we get electricity within seconds ... how can this be ?
 
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The best arm waving answer I can think of is to liken the electrons to links in a chain. The energy gets from one end of the chain to the other as soon as you apply the force - the only delay being due to the speed that the links can pass on the tension from one to another (the speed of the wave / tension pulse along the chain). The links move at a few cm per second.

In the case of electrical power transfer, the wave carrying the energy moves at just a little short of the speed of light.

And you get 'the electricity', not in "seconds" but in microseconds :smile:
 

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