Video: 'How electricity actually works'

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the principles of electricity as explained in a video, particularly focusing on the Poynting vector and its role in energy transfer. It is established that energy in a light bulb connected to a battery is transferred by the electromagnetic field rather than by electron flow. The Poynting vector, defined as the cross product of the electric field and magnetic field, quantifies the energy flow direction and magnitude. The hydraulic analogy used historically to explain electrical concepts is critiqued for its limitations in accurately representing electromagnetic phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poynting vector flux in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with electric and magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of the hydraulic analogy in electrical theory
  • Basic principles of energy transfer in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of the Poynting vector in electromagnetic theory
  • Explore the implications of the hydraulic analogy in electrical engineering
  • Study the efficiency of energy transfer in wireless power systems
  • Investigate the role of conductors in guiding electromagnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, educators in electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of electricity and energy transfer.

  • #31
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.
 

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