Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Electrical energy is energy that is caused by moving electric charges. Since the
electric charges are moving, this is a form of kinetic energy. The faster the electric
charges are moving the more electrical energy they carry. We can use the analogy
of a ball being thrown at a window. The ball represents an electric charge and if the
ball is not thrown very fast, then it may simply not have enough energy to break the
window. The faster the ball travels, the more energy it has and it then has the ability
to break the window. Electrical energy is basically generated the same way
regardless of the starting form of energy. If nuclear energy is utilized, the energy
released heats water into steam. The steam is then used to turn a turbine blade
which fires up a generator and gives the electric charges their energy. If
hydroelectric energy is used, then the falling water is used to spin turbine blades,
which turns the generator creating electrical energy. If windmill energy is used, the
windmill itself turns the turbine blade which makes the generator create electrical
energy. Regardless of the starting form of energy, that energy is used to give
electric charges energy of motion which is electrical energy.
Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels occur naturally in the earth and are the remains of living organisms from
the geological past. They include coal, oil and natural gas, which generate
electricity when they burn in large electric power plants.
Nuclear power
Nuclear power is a nonrenewable energy source that uses radioactive materials as
part of the process of heating water to generate electricity. The process generates
zero atmospheric emissions, as stated by the National Academy of Sciences.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished and include biomass, hydro,
geothermal, solar and wind. Some of these renewable sources are intermittent, such
as wind, which can create complications when using them to generate electricity on
a large scale.
Disadvantages
It can kill you
We become dependent on it
We use other dirtier forms of energy (nuclear, fossil fuels) to produce it
There is growing concern that the magnetic fields around transmission lines
may be unhealthy
Uses of Electricity
Uses of Electricity
We use electricity constantly in our daily lives. It is one of the most important types
of power and energy that we use.
Batteries
Some electricity comes from batteries. Batteries use chemicals to store up
electricity that can power devices like cell phones, radio controlled cars, handheld
video games, and flashlights. Batteries run out of power after a while and either
need to be recharged or recycled. Remember to always recycle your batteries as
there are dangerous chemicals in them!
Other uses
Electricity is used in cars too. There is a big battery to help the engine get started.
Then the engine generates electricity for the radio, lights, and other cool features.
Some cars run 100% on electricity by using big batteries that get charged up from a
wall socket.
Electricity also can make magnetism. This can be used to create giant powerful
magnets as well as fast and quiet magnetic trains. Electric motors generate
magnetism to turn the motor and cause movement for all sorts of uses.