Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 7: Problem 30

If the electric utility company where you live suddenly changed the frequency of the \(\mathrm{AC}\) to \(20 \mathrm{~Hz}\), what problems might this cause?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The potential issues of changing the AC frequency to 20 Hz include malfunctioning and damage to electrical appliances, compromised stability and efficiency of the power grid, decreased efficiency and safety hazards in induction heating elements and transformers, and disturbances in human perception and comfort due to noticeable flicker of lights and hum produced by electrical devices.

Step by step solution

01

Impact on Electrical Appliances

Various electrical appliances like motors, transformers, and other devices are designed to operate at specific frequencies (usually 50 or 60 Hz). If the frequency is changed to 20 Hz, these devices might malfunction, leading to potential breakdowns or damage. Additionally, the appliances might generate more heat, leading to energy inefficiency and safety hazards.
02

Effect on the Power Grid

The power grid is designed to operate at a specific frequency for optimal efficiency and stability. Changing the frequency to 20 Hz might lead to fluctuations in voltage, inability to maintain sync between different parts of the grid, and difficulty in controlling the power flow, which could compromise the overall stability and efficiency of the power grid.
03

Induction Heating and Transformers

Induction heating elements and transformers rely on specific frequencies to ensure proper functionality and energy transfer. Decreasing the frequency to 20 Hz might cause a significant decrease in efficiency, leading to additional energy loss in the form of heat and possible overheating, which may lead to safety more seriously safety hazards or device failure.
04

Human Perception and Comfort

AC frequency can influence the flicker of lights and the hum produced by electrical devices. At 20 Hz frequency, the flicker of lights may become more noticeable and disturbing to human perception, leading to potential discomfort or even health issues. Additionally, the hum produced by electrical devices may become more prominent and bothersome. In conclusion, changing the frequency of the AC to 20 Hz could have several adverse effects on electrical appliances, the power grid's stability, and efficiency, as well as human perception and comfort.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is a positive ion? A negative ion?

A 20-A fuse in a household electric circuit burns out. What catastrophe could occur if it is replaced by a \(30-\mathrm{A}\) fuse?

At one moment during a storm, the electric field between two clouds is directed toward the east. What is the direction of the force on any electron in this region? What is the direction of the force on a positive ion in this region?

Materials can be classified into four categories based on the ease with which charges can flow through them. Give the names of these categories and describe each one.

A simple electric circuit consists of a constant-voltage power supply and a variable resistor. What effect does reducing the resistance have on the current in the circuit and on the power output of the power supply?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Modern Physics

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Classical Mechanics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free