ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Where does it go!!

I buy the "wiggling electron" theory, sometimes illustrated with croqet balls. But where does the 6,280,000,000,000,000,000 electrons =1 amp fit in

that comes from physics when you study things called coulumbs/sec.

So Ask Again Where does it go? Does it disapate into the earth like water?

Ob

Just as in the picture it goes back to the source.

I look it at it as a wire full of electrons that the generator pushes in a circle (circuit) and performs work at some point along the way.

You have moved the energy in the form of electrons from the prime mover (whatever spins the generator) to where it is needed, like a light where the energy is given up as light and heat, and the electrons go back to the source to get "pushed" again.

The "Ball" diagram is illustrating "DC" but "AC" would be the same just changing the direction X times per second.

Most generators (or transformers) have one line intentionally grounded so that is why electrons flow to "ground" they are trying to get back to the source through whatever route possible.

If you had a circuit fed by a generator (or transformer) with no connection to ground you will not have any "current going to ground" at any point in the circuit.

Isolated systems like this are used in operating rooms to protect patients from shocks to ground and are covered in 2002 NEC 517.160


[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 04-26-2003).]

I think it is important to understand that the term electricity can not be universaly applied. Current and charge are two different things that hasppen at the same time in a circuit. The flow of electrons is always in a closed loop, but the energy or charge is only one way. Meaning, the flow of electrons do indeed flow back to the source, but the energy that they deliver is distributed to the load in a different from such as light, heat, or motion. The picture above is a great representation of what looks like is happening, but in reality, the electrons are not charged back to the source.