If you use too high a frequency, then you start to radiate power into space (This is called a radio antenna.). You would lose all of your power into the atmosphere, and play havoc with all nearby conductors and electrical circuits. The larger the dimensions of the circuit, the lower the frequency has to be in order to avoid this problem. The reasons are a little complicated, and it has been over ten years since I took electromagnetics in college, so I won't attempt a detailed explaination of the practical application of Maxwell's equations here.
Low frequency antennas are physically huge; high frequency antennas (like on your radio or cell phone) tend to be small because of this physical phenomena.
Power lines are very long, since they can run for miles at a stretch. Lines tend to be longer in Canada, since people live father apart, so I assume that is why they use a lower frequency (to avoid turning the lines into an antenna.).
Remember, the larger the dimensions of the circuit, the lower the frequency has to be in order to avoid producing electromagnetic waves that carry away your power with them.
PS: If this is true, then why not just transmit DC power (zero frequency) instead of AC power like Thomas Edison originally wanted? ;-) Hint: has something to do with the fact that transformers cannot operate with DC current, and the I squared R power losses in transmission lines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_Currents)
2006-07-13 09:13:33
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answer #1
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answered by Randy G 7
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Electric equipment / electronics run on amperage, not frequency, voltage, resistance, or anything else. Only amps.
The differences in voltages is due to the losses resulting from moving the current from its place of generation to the place of use. You want to ship the electricity at a high voltage, then use transformers to reduce the voltage near the usage site.
The differences in frequence are due to the method of generation. From the turning of a shaft holding magnets. You can adjust the shaft speed to create whatever frequency you desire.
2006-07-13 08:26:36
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answer #2
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answered by bequalming 5
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airplane use 4 hundred hz potential via fact 4 hundred hz electric powered kit weighs decrease than 60 hz. 50 or 60 hz potential its used the place potential must be despatched over long distances via fact transmission losses are decrease.
2016-10-07 21:30:09
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answer #3
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answered by ? 4
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Using higher frequencies would result in greater power loss along transmission lines due mainly to self-induction properties and eddy currents within the lines.
2006-07-13 08:37:43
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answer #4
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answered by Chug-a-Lug 7
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This is a good physics question. I remembered I used to know the answer. The key is understanding how electromagnetic waves propagate along transmission lines.
The facts to consider are: power, attenuation, and Impedance. Hope I point you to the right direction.
2006-07-13 08:35:08
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answer #5
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answered by galactic_man_of_leisure 4
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