I Video: 'How electricity actually works'

Thread starter cianfa72
Start date May 12, 2024
Tags

Electric energy Electric field Electric potential Electromagetic field Voltage source

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The discussion centers on a video explaining that energy in a light bulb connected to a battery is transferred via electromagnetic fields rather than electron flow, using Poynting vector analysis. Participants note that conductors guide electric and magnetic fields to loads, and the hydraulic analogy used in education oversimplifies the complexities of electrical power flow. The conversation also touches on the behavior of the Poynting vector in relation to perfectly conductive wires, emphasizing that energy primarily propagates outside conductors rather than within them. The importance of understanding electromagnetic energy flow for efficient power delivery is highlighted, suggesting that while energy can be transmitted without wires, it is less efficient. Overall, the discussion underscores the nuanced understanding of electricity beyond traditional analogies.

Aug 19, 2024

sophiecentaur

Science Advisor

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Baluncore said:

Electrical contractors can be quickly educated to follow an Electrical Code.

The appropriate word is "trained".

Someone who asks a question on PF should surely be helped past that point where misconceptions are generated at every twist and turn by using the water flow analogy.

Using the term "Pressure" for Voltage can be unhelpful. FWIW, the quantity 'emf' is at least called a sort of force per unit charge and not a pressure. This is a perfect example where people bend over backwards to maintain the equivalence between two totally different sides of an analogy. Use the water analogy very briefly and very early on in EM education and then throw it away.