Hello,
I am having trouble understanding the neutral wire in a split-phase system. In the All About Circuits E-book chapter about single-phase power systems (http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_10/1.html), it states "...the neutral wire only has to carry the difference of current between the two loads back to the source." I have attached a diagram from the E-book, which I have marked up to illustrate my question. Following the red path, which goes from the source through load #2, I would assume that the electricity would take the path of least resistance, and travel along the neutral wire back to the source, as opposed to traveling through load #1. However, it appears that the electricity takes the harder path through load #1, and I am confused as to why.
Thanks.
I am having trouble understanding the neutral wire in a split-phase system. In the All About Circuits E-book chapter about single-phase power systems (http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_10/1.html), it states "...the neutral wire only has to carry the difference of current between the two loads back to the source." I have attached a diagram from the E-book, which I have marked up to illustrate my question. Following the red path, which goes from the source through load #2, I would assume that the electricity would take the path of least resistance, and travel along the neutral wire back to the source, as opposed to traveling through load #1. However, it appears that the electricity takes the harder path through load #1, and I am confused as to why.
Thanks.
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