If AC current is a constant reversal of electron flow direction, how can there be a distinct hot and neutral wire? The electrons flow equally in both directions, so how can they be said to flow from one wire to the other?
2007-06-21 13:27:03 · 5 answers · asked by Anthony R 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The distinction has more to do with practical application of ac in single-phase and three-phase distribution systems.
For simple single-phase circuits, such as house wiring, the terms 'line' (or 'hot') and 'neutral' indicates which terminal on the transformer a particular wire leads back to.
Also, for proper detection of ground faults in single-phase circuit, neutral is connected to ground (earth) at one point upstream of the circuit breakers or fuses. (This is the classical solidly-grounded / solid-earth system used in most parts of the world).
In three-phase circuits, the neutral may not even exist (delta circuits) or it may exist but not have a wire connected (3-wire wye circuits). In either case, the neutral point is still a fundamental part of how the power system circuit is referenced to the earth.
2007-06-21 13:44:02 · answer #1 · answered by Steve W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The potential in the neutral wire is fixed to ground and the potential in the hot wire varies sinusoidally. So you're right in a way that current flows both ways, and that relative to each other, there's no difference. But if you at ground potential were to grab an uninsulated hot wire, you would get electrocuted. You could grab the neutral wire and be ok.
2007-06-21 13:33:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the regular 110 AC single phase outlet, both hot and neutral carry the full current of the appliance (but in opposite directions) when it's plugged in. Neutral, though, its usually grounded at the step-down transformer that reduces the 220 delivered to your house to 110, so some voltage can develop at the appliance end. The ground (third) wire though, is also grounded, but carried no current at all, so is safer.
2007-06-21 15:43:21 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Current reverses direction it does not jump from one wire to another.
2007-06-25 08:08:19 · answer #4 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no difference in that circle, loop. Current flows equally in both.
2007-06-21 13:31:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋