How is AC current transmitted through power lines if it changes direction regularly after a half-cycle proportionally in the opposite direction?

Question

How does the current flow in one direction if the electrons are hoping back and forth? Shouldn’t the net current be zero?

In: 3

Answer 1

AC current is transmitted through power lines by changing the voltage and frequency of the current. A transformer is used to step up the voltage of the current as it travels along the lines, and the current is transmitted as an alternating current (AC) which changes direction regularly after a half-cycle proportionally in the opposite direction. This is done by using a combination of three components: a generator, a transmission line, and a transformer. The generator produces an alternating current with a certain frequency and voltage. This is then transferred to the transmission line where it is stepped up to a higher voltage. Finally, the transformer reduces the voltage back down to the appropriate level for distribution to the consumer. The alternating current also maintains a consistent frequency as it travels along the power lines.