We wrote about the water flow analogy the other day. How we can understand electricity flow a little better when we compare it with a river. Today are going to use our homespun coffee pot theory to explain the difference between volts, currents, and watts. While we get our thoughts together why not pour yourself a cup of coffee if that is what you fancy.
The Design of the ‘French Press’ Coffee Pot
Coffee lovers claim coffee plungers make the best coffee in the world, because the ground coffee remains in contact with the liquid as it brews. The design is similar to teapots and milk jugs everywhere.
We have a large tank to store the product, and a narrow spout to pour the liquid to prevent spilling. When you think about it, soft drink cans and bottles control the flow of liquid in a similar way,
Let’s Compare This to Basic Battery Design
Well first, batteries are containers full of electrolyte. This was originally a liquid, although nowadays the industry is moving to gels and solid materials. We measure coffee pot capacity by volume. With battery capacity, we speak of either watt-hours, kilowatt-hours , or amp-hours depending on battery size. Both are, if you like, potential measures in terms of what’s available.
In both cases, we need to control the rate of delivery. With our coffee press, the lid prevents the coffee flowing out too quickly and making a mess.
We manage the outflow of electric current from a battery with the thickness of the wire. And the resistance of the device we connect. If you are thinking this works the same way as an electric coffee percolator spout, you are correct.
How We Measure the Rate of Electricity Flow
We could measure the flow from a coffee pot by the rate we fill cups through the spout We measure energy transfer with a more accurate unit we call watts.
So the greater the wattage of our sandwich toaster or radiant heater, the more electricity it draws. And the more the electricity costs us, of course. Always check the rating before you purchase to save money.
Related
What is an Electric Current? A Simple Explanation
Preview Image: Wind Farm Overlooking River
