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Homework Help: Why dont birds get electocuted when they are on power lines?

  1. Feb 23, 2007 #1

    aquabum619

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    3. The attempt at a solution[/b
    Maybe because charge passes through the powerlines and doesnt stay at one spot?
     
    aquabum619, Feb 23, 2007
  2. jcsd
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  3. Feb 23, 2007 #2

    berkeman

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    Staff: Mentor

    How are power transmission lines physically arranged? How many wires are there, and how far apart are they spaced? What are the typical AC voltages involved, and how are the voltages distributed between the wires? Why are the wires in the AC transmission lines spaced apart like that?
     
    berkeman, Feb 23, 2007
  4. Feb 23, 2007 #3

    chaoseverlasting

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    No... the circuit isnt complete. There is no potential difference. If, however, a man standing on the ground touched the same wires, he would be electrocuted, as the potential on the ground is zero and a potential difference existas across the man.
     
    chaoseverlasting, Feb 23, 2007
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