These electricity myths are… shocking!

Myths about that thing maintaining the modern world

Electricity. It has been with us since the dawn of the 1800s, when James Prescott Joule discovered and named this phenomenon. Fast forward to the latter end of that century, and the light bulb is created. As it was on the day man discovered fire, people rejoiced, for they no longer would have to live in fear of darkness*.

Or something like that.

Electricity is one of those things that those of us living in the 21st century just take for granted. It exists, we use it, but unless your job depends on it, you never really understand how it works.

What is electricity? Are there different types? What would happen if it suddenly disappeared? Can it disappear?

Oh, the questions that keep us awake at night.

There are many misunderstandings about electricity. Here are just a few for your enjoyment and learning pleasure.

Static electricity is completely different from outlet electricity

So. You think the electricity made when you shuffle across a room in socks (which just happens to be the same type of electricity as lightning*) is different than that wall outlet charging your phone?

False!

The only difference is that static electricity is instantaneous, and the electricity flowing from your outlet is constant. Does that mean you could have a static burst powerful enough to charge a phone? Can you harness the power of lightning?

The short answer? Maybe. But, there’s nothing concrete yet. It’s an interesting idea, though, right? Maybe some day I can get paid to shuffle around in my socks…

Power lines are insulated

This seems like it should be a no brainer. Look at those little birds up on the power line. They aren’t getting fried constantly. So the lines have to be insulated, right?

Check again. 90% of power lines are not insulated, and should not be touched. The reason our little feathery friends are safe is because when they’re touching the lines, they aren’t touching the ground at the same time, so there is no flow of electrons. In other words, birds are not good conductors of electricity.

The more you know!

Electricity moves at light speed

Yet another thing the Flash is faster than: electricity.

When we think electricity, we often think instantaneous. After all, when I flip my light switch at home, there doesn’t seem to be a delay between my action and the light. So, electricity must move at the speed of light.

Electricity actually moves at about a few centimeters a second (seems fairly slow, right?). Now, the difference between the speed light travels at and the speed electrons move at isn’t huge. But, it’s just enough. After all, electrons have mass, light doesn’t. And nothing with mass can travel at the same speed as light.

Wood is not a conductor

Well… it’s not a good one (kind of like birds). But, fact of the matter is, in the right conditions, wood can become enough of a conductor to be dangerous. Especially if the wood is wet.

Along the same vein, rubber shoes and gloves are not necessarily perfect insulators, either. Only if they’re made of 100% rubber… which definitely excludes cheap rubber gloves from the gardening department.

It takes more electricity to turn something on than to leave it on

Most of the time, this isn’t the case. For the majority of tech, appliances, and gadgets, the initial burst of energy is so insignificant that it barely deserves to be measured. So, flip away at those light switches!

Does your head hertz yet?

See a myth you used to believe? Leave a comment! We hope we made your day a little brighter!

(I’m sorry, these puns are just a bad compulsion and I’m learning to say no).

*Definitely an accurate retelling of history.

*Do you feel awesome yet? You have the power of lightning right between your toes.