Where does electric energy flow from power plant to our houses? inside the copper?

Question

Also I thought:
if energy flows through copper, how comes it continue to flow through a transformer? In transformer the primary and secondary coils are insulated, and energy passage would be impossible, right?
because copper is disontinued there

Answer 1

Hi, there, Alex.

The so-called wave or phase velocity of EM energy through copper travels at near the speed of light in a vacuum. It's a bit slower than in a vacuum, but not much.

Copper wire acts like a pipe through which the waves travel. Solutions to Maxwell's equations show that the standing waves are well bound by the dimensions (gauge) of the wire. So, yes, the waves are inside the copper wire.

I think I've mentioned this before, but the actual electrons drift way slower than their waves. I don't recall the exact velocities, but in some metals and E field conditions the drift is about 1,000 m/sec or so. So the electrons themselves are not the real source of power, but they are the stuff the waves are formed by. And the waves are the real source of the power that comes to our houses.

Answer 2

This is just a theory I have but the actual phenomenon is a condition of pressure, but not in the sense of air pressure. Electric pressure would be understood as voltage. A generator plant creates x amount of pressure. Pressure released is passed through a medium i.e., a conductor. Fundamentally we may think the pressure is released in one direction, i.e., from the generator to our house and then to earth. But on the other hand, the pressure can agreeably said to be released from the earth to the generator. Because electrical pressure is a state of quantum negative and positive fields, the actual origin and destination of the pressure is irrelevant, hence the 1st law of thermodynamics.

We can measure this pressure, its resistance and form a electrical system of laws, i.e., ohms law. But understanding the big picture takes a bit of time and patience.

Answer 3

It flows along between the outside of the copper wire and under the insulation inside the line.

Answer 4

The electric current (ampere) flows thru the electric cables (copper or alumunum). To make the electric current flow, the power plant will generate enough voltage (electromotive force).

Answer 5

Yes, you could say that, even though it's not entirely correct. The energy can be delivered by microwaves or by loading a few batteries on a truck.

In case of common power grid, the wiring does provide a path for energy to be delivered.

Answer 6

In a transformer, the magnetic field caused by the primary windings induces a current in the secondary windings.

Answer 7

You are right. Electricity is nothing but copper electrons flowing towards the neutral charge.

Answer 8

Flows the path of least resistance until it hits the ground.