Why We Step Up Voltage for Long-Distance Power Transmissions

In summary, when transmitting power over long distances, it is necessary to step up the voltage in order to reduce power loss. This is because a higher voltage corresponds to a lower current, which in turn decreases the power dissipated through resistance. This relationship can be seen through the equation P = I^2R, which shows that reducing current reduces power loss. For further information on this topic, you can refer to the website provided.
  • #1
gubretaw
10
0
I have an assignment that requires me to discuss why do we step up voltage when transmitting power over long distance.

I was told that in having a high voltage you have a low current, which then reduces the power loss. What I do not understand is how does low current relates to the reduction in power loss?
 
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  • #2
The resistance of a conductor converts electric energy into heat energy (via the collisions of the electrons with the metal lattice). If we use [itex]P = IV[/itex] and [itex]V = IR[/itex] we can show that the power dissapated by the resistance is given [itex]P = I^{2}R[/itex]. Therefore, lowering the current, reduces the power loss.

~H
 
  • #3
Adding to what Hootenanny said, you might also want to visit this site.
http://www.bsharp.org/physics/stuff/xmission.html"
 
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Related to Why We Step Up Voltage for Long-Distance Power Transmissions

1. Why do we need to step up voltage for long-distance power transmissions?

We step up voltage for long-distance power transmissions in order to reduce energy loss during transmission. As electricity travels through power lines, some energy is lost as heat. By increasing the voltage, we can decrease the amount of current needed to transmit the same amount of power, thus reducing the amount of energy lost as heat.

2. How does stepping up voltage help with long-distance power transmission?

Stepping up voltage helps with long-distance power transmission by allowing for the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances. As mentioned before, by increasing the voltage, we can decrease the amount of current needed, which reduces energy loss and allows for the electricity to travel further without significant loss of power.

3. What happens if we don't step up voltage for long-distance power transmission?

If we don't step up voltage for long-distance power transmission, we would need to use higher currents to transmit the same amount of power. This would result in more energy loss and could potentially lead to power outages due to overheating of power lines and equipment. It would also be more expensive to transmit electricity over long distances without stepping up the voltage.

4. Is stepping up voltage the only way to transmit electricity over long distances?

No, stepping up voltage is not the only way to transmit electricity over long distances. Alternatives include using direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC), as DC has lower energy loss over long distances. However, stepping up voltage is currently the most commonly used method for long-distance power transmission due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability.

5. How is voltage stepped up for long-distance power transmission?

Voltage is stepped up for long-distance power transmission using devices called transformers. These transformers have two sets of coils, a primary coil and a secondary coil, which are wrapped around a core made of iron or steel. When an alternating current is passed through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic field which induces a higher voltage in the secondary coil. This process allows for the efficient stepping up of voltage for long-distance power transmission.

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