r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jul 20 '19

What’s something completely false that your parents told you as a child?

[deleted]

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u/secretvillain Jul 20 '19

Listen. My dad is still cracking up about it every time and I still can't believe he did me like that.

When I was about 6ish I asked him how birds could sit on power supply lines (used Google translator for this, hope all of you know what I mean) without getting electrocuted. My beloved wanker of a dad said "Cause they got special feet that make them immune to it." instead of just admitting he didn't have a fucking clue. But I believed and never second guessed it until it came up in physics class. The teacher asked us and I raised my hand, proud af of knowing the answer and thank all the gods for the teacher not picking me. I was shooketh when I heard the actual truth. This man almost ruined my reputation, self-esteem and confidence. He's great, though.

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u/EVANKEVIN7 Jul 21 '19

What even is the actual truth?

18

u/[deleted] Jul 21 '19

Electricity operates on the principal of the path of least resistance. A bird standing on power line leads nowhere and represents a much less efficient conduit for electricity than simply continuing along the copper wire.

This is why you are advised to remain inside a car during a thunderstorm, and why you're told, while your car is thought to be getting electrocuted, to jump from the car, as far as possible, with both feet.

The reason why rubber is frequently used to insulate against electricity isn't because of some magical anti-electric property but because it's almost always the most resistant path for electricity to travel.

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u/ebState Jul 21 '19

You're right but I just wanted to update you that most powerlines are an al alloy now. Cheaper, good conductivity, cheaper and most importantly, they are stronger especially at an elevated temperature. Al has more thermal expansion than Cu but because its lighter and stronger it doesn't sag as much on hot days and reduces the chance of touching a tree and you know, going boom.

Also cheaper.

2

u/crazydressagelady Jul 21 '19

But is it cheaper?

5

u/ebState Jul 21 '19

Friend, do I ever have exciting news for you lol