Introduction to Electricity

ELECTRICITY

What is Electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as
electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current.
Or in simpler terms, the flow of an electric charge.

Electricity is both a basic part of nature and a fundamental form of energy that powers our
modern world. It is also known as a secondary energy source because it is produced by
converting primary energy sources such as solar energy, coal, wind energy, natural gas, and
nuclear energy. Electricity is also referred to as an energy carrier, which means it can be
converted to other forms of energy such as mechanical energy or heat.

Understanding how electricity works involves examining some of the smallest particles, known
as electrons. When electrons are forced to move together in a synchronized manner, they
generate friction, which produces heat and ultimately creates an electric charge. Electricity
arises from the accumulation or movement of electrons and travels through a closed circuit,
allowing the electrons to flow.

When a circuit is closed, electricity flows through the wiring, powering appliances and
electronics. In contrast, an open circuit prevents the flow of electricity.

1.​ Atoms
Matter is composed of atoms. Atoms have a central core called the nucleus, which
houses protons and neutrons. Neutrons lack an electrical charge, while protons carry a
positive charge. Electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific shells, moving at speeds
that can approach that of light. The quantity of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an
atom reveals its identity and the specific arrangement of these particles. The type of
material influences the number of electrons held tightly to the nucleus, with some
electrons being loosely associated, enabling them to transfer to other atoms.

2.​ Wires and Cables

Within a cross-section of a copper wire, one would find a multitude of free electrons from
the atoms colliding with one another. This interaction occurs randomly in terms of
direction. Conversely, when viewing a segment of wire that is part of a complete circuit,
the applied voltage drives the electrons to move uniformly in a specific direction, as they
strive to return to the opposite terminal of the battery.
 3.​ Volts/Voltage
Voltage serves as the driving force behind electrons in a circuit. An increase in voltage
allows for a greater flow of electrons. This concept can be likened to the pressure in a
water pipeline. Voltage, measured in volts, is defined as Joules per Coulomb, where
Joules quantify energy or work, and a coulomb denotes a collection of moving electrons.
A battery rated at 10V can deliver 10 joules of energy.

4.​ AC/DC Power

AC stands for alternating current, while DC refers to direct current. Alternating current
involves the flow of electricity reversing directions in a circuit as the terminals switch
continuously. This type of current is prevalent in household power outlets. Direct current,
on the other hand, flows consistently in a single direction, and yes, it’s unrelated to the
boy band. Direct current is generated by batteries and solar panels and is typically
utilized in portable electronic devices.

Classification of Electricity Generation

Renewable Electricity Generation:

Renewable energy is derived from natural sources such as wind, water, or solar heat. These
energy sources are inexhaustible and have a lower environmental impact. Examples of
renewable sources include:
●​ Wind energy: Wind farms utilize turbines to convert the kinetic energy from air currents
into electricity. Though it is a limitless source, it can be unpredictable due to varying
weather conditions.
●​ Photovoltaic solar energy: This energy is produced when sunlight strikes solar panels,
generating electrons that create an electric current when they move. Currently, solar
panels have advanced technology that allows them to adjust their angle and orientation
to consistently track the sun, maximizing efficiency. While more stable than wind power,
it still depends on environmental factors.
●​ Hydropower: This energy is a well-established sustainable practice, making it one of the
most sought-after renewable sources. However, it necessitates more infrastructure
compared to the aforementioned sources, as it involves building dams or dikes. Through
hydraulic turbines, the energy generated by flowing water is transformed into electricity.

Non-renewable Electricity Generation:

In contrast, non-renewable energy sources rely on finite natural resources for electricity
generation. Additionally, these sources are typically less accessible since they are located in
specific regions around the globe. Depending on their extraction methods, they can be divided
into two categories:
●​ Energy from fossil fuels: This energy is produced by combusting fossil fuels such as
oil, coal, and natural gas. While the trend is moving towards reducing reliance on these
 sources to facilitate decarbonization, they still play a significant role in the energy
landscape, especially natural gas due to its lower carbon emissions.
●​ Energy from nuclear fuels: Uranium is the most widely used nuclear fuel, occurring
naturally in three isotopes. The nuclear fission process is the most common and
well-known method for generating nuclear energy. Due to the reactions that occur during
this process, a substantial amount of energy is released. However, one drawback is the
production of radioactive nuclear waste as a result of the process.

Types of Electricity

Dynamic Electricity:
Dynamic electricity refers to the flow of electrical
current, where electrons move through a closed
circuit using conductive materials like metal wires.

Static Electricity:
Static electricity occurs when there is an
accumulation of excess electrical charge on
non-conductive materials. An electrostatic charge
is generated, for instance, when two surfaces
come into contact and then separate, such as
when rubbing hair against a balloon.

Electromagnetic Energy:
Electromagnetic energy travels in waves across a
space known as an electromagnetic field. This type
of energy is exemplified by the waves generated
by devices like microwave ovens and X-ray
machines.
ELECTRICITY

Who is the father of Electricity?

Born: September 22, 1791, Newington,

Surrey, England

Died: August 25, 1867, Hampton Court,

Surrey (aged 75)

Awards And Honors: Copley Medal (1838),

Copley Medal (1832)

Subjects Of Study: Faraday effect,

Faraday’s law of induction, Faraday’s laws
of electrolysis, benzene, chlorine,
condensation, diamagnetism, electrolysis,
electromagnetic induction,
electromagnetism, halocarbon, static
electricity, electric generator, electric
motor

Michael Faraday was a prominent English physicist and chemist whose extensive experiments
significantly advanced the understanding of electromagnetism. Recognized as one of the
leading scientists of the 19th century, Faraday started his career in chemistry. He authored a
practical chemistry manual that showcased his expertise in the technical aspects of his field,
discovered several new organic compounds, including benzene, and was the first to liquefy a
gas once thought to be permanently gaseous. His most significant contributions were in
electricity and magnetism, where he was the pioneer in generating an electric current from a
magnetic field, invented the first electric motor and dynamo, showed the connection between
electricity and chemical bonding, investigated the impact of magnetism on light, and discovered
and named diamagnetism—the unique behavior of certain materials in strong magnetic fields.
He laid much of the experimental and theoretical groundwork that James Clerk Maxwell later
used to develop classical electromagnetic field theory.
Early Life of Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday was born in Newington, Surrey, to a struggling family, with his father working
as a blacksmith and his mother providing emotional support. Despite a limited education,
Faraday's interest in science grew through his apprenticeship as a bookbinder, where he was
inspired by an article on electricity in the Encyclopædia Britannica and began conducting his
own experiments.

His significant opportunity arose when he attended lectures by Sir Humphry Davy at the Royal
Institution of Great Britain. Faraday sent his lecture notes to Davy, leading to a job as Davy's
laboratory assistant. Under Davy’s mentorship, Faraday mastered chemistry and contributed to
revolutionary discoveries in the field, including work on the properties of elements and the
understanding of acids.

After his apprenticeship ended in 1820, Faraday's expertise and innovative ideas positioned him
as a leading chemist. He made numerous groundbreaking discoveries that earned him a
prominent reputation in the scientific community.

Theory of Electrochemistry of Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday's work in electrochemistry aimed to unify various forms of electricity,

challenging the notion that they were different fluids. He embarked on a detailed investigation in
1832, discovering that electric force acts through conducting liquids to cause chemical
dissociation rather than at a distance. He formulated two key laws of electrochemistry: (1) the
amount of substance deposited in an electrolytic cell is proportional to the quantity of electricity
passed, and (2) the quantities of different elements deposited are in the ratio of their chemical
equivalent weights.

Faraday also established the concept of specific inductive capacity, realizing that the induced
electricity in nonconductors depends on the material. By 1839, he developed a general theory of
electrical action, describing electricity as tensions created in matter which result in waves of
buildup and breakdown. However, the strain of his intense research led to a breakdown in his
health, preventing further creative work until 1845.

Later Life of Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday, from the beginning of his scientific career, believed in the unity of the forces of
nature, suggesting that all forces were manifestations of a single universal force. In 1846, he
delivered an impromptu lecture titled “Thoughts on Ray Vibrations,” where he proposed that
electric and magnetic forces might serve as the medium for light wave propagation. Upon
returning to research in 1845, Faraday continued to investigate a hypothetical electrotonic state
and collaborated with William Thomson, who suggested he explore magnetic lines of force.
By passing polarized light through high refractive index glass and applying a magnetic field,
Faraday demonstrated that the plane of polarization rotated, indicating strain in magnetic lines
rather than in the glass itself. This led him to categorize substances into paramagnetics and
diamagnetics based on their reactions to magnetic fields, developing a new understanding of
space as a medium that supports electrical and magnetic forces.

Faraday's innovative ideas laid the groundwork for field theory, which would be further
developed by Maxwell. However, by 1855, as his health declined, he faced challenges in his
later experiments, including one on the relationship between gravity and electricity. Despite
declining a knighthood, Faraday was honored by Queen Victoria for his contributions to science.
He passed away in 1867, leaving a lasting impact on our understanding of physical reality.

Contributors of Electricity

●​ Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Franklin was a founding father of the United States, notable scientist, and inventor. Born
in Boston, he began his career as an apprentice in a printing shop and later established
his own in Philadelphia, where he published works like Poor Richard’s Almanac. Franklin
conducted a famous experiment in 1752 demonstrating that lightning is electricity, and
he invented devices such as the lightning rod and bifocals. He played a significant role in
politics, helping draft the Declaration of Independence and negotiating the 1783 Treaty
of Paris. Franklin is remembered as a leading figure in American history, with a lasting
legacy in science and politics.

●​ Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)

Volta was an Italian physicist known for inventing the electric battery and making
significant contributions to the field of electricity. He was born in Como, studied at the
University of Pavia, and later became a professor. In 1775, he created the electrophore,
and in 1800, he developed the electric pile, which produced a continuous electric current
using copper and zinc disks. His invention revolutionized science and technology,
leading to advancements in electrical devices and research. Volta invented the
electrometer in 1801 and studied the electrical capacity of gases, discovering methane.
He was made a count by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810 and received various honors. The
unit of electromotive force, the volt, is named after him, highlighting his enduring legacy
in modern electrical technology.

●​ Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931)

Edison was an influential American inventor, businessman, and scientist known for his
contributions to electricity and technology. Born in Milan, Ohio, he had limited education
and worked as a street vendor from a young age. Edison established an invention
workshop in Newark, New Jersey, where he created the incandescent lamp in 1879,
significantly changing lighting and the electrical industry. He also developed the direct
current electrical power distribution system and founded the first power station in New
 York in 1882. In addition to his work with electricity, Edison invented the phonograph in
1877 and was involved in motion picture development. He received multiple awards and
recognitions, including the Matteucci Medal and the John Fritz Medal. Edison's legacy
endures as a key figure in modern technology.

●​ Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer known for his
contributions to electricity and technology. Born in Croatia, he studied electrical
engineering and emigrated to the U.S. in 1884. Initially working for Thomas Edison, he
later established his own lab and developed the alternating current motor, which
transformed electrical power transmission. Tesla also advanced radio communication
and proposed wireless transmission of electrical power. Despite his numerous inventions
and patents, he faced financial difficulties and died in poverty. After his death, Tesla
gained recognition as a pivotal inventor, with the unit of magnetic flux density named in
his honor, and his legacy continues to inspire future innovators.

●​ Charles Fritts (1850-1903)

Fritts was a US inventor who pioneered the development of solar panels and researched
electricity for energy. In 1883, he created the first modern solar panel by coating
selenium with gold-leaf film, enabling sunlight to be converted into electricity. He
proposed a solar power plant to supply electricity to New York, one of the first of its kind.
Fritts also studied electric lamps for lighting buildings and streets, and developed a
method for storing electricity, making energy more accessible and safe. His contributions
significantly advanced the field of electricity.
ELECTRICITY

What are the sources of Electricity?

Electricity is produced all over the world, primarily in power plants, but it can also be generated
in small, single-building generators, such as those used with solar panels or fuel-powered
backup generators that many homes have where storms frequently knock out power. The
production of electricity can vary greatly, as all electricity is generated via a generator, but the
way the turbine in that generator is powered differs.

Five common ways electricity can be produced include coal, hydropower, nuclear energy, wind,
and natural gas.
●​ Coal power plants - coal is burned to heat water, turning it into steam that drives the
turbine.
●​ Hydropower - utilizes flowing water channeled through man-made spaces, such as
dams, to turn turbines.
●​ Nuclear energy - employs a complex process of nuclear fission to create heat, which
generates steam that, similarly to coal, turns the turbines.
●​ Wind energy - it relies on moving air to turn wind turbines, with the wind transferring
kinetic energy to blades, turning the turbine to generate electricity.
●​ Natural gas - it is burned to heat water, converting it into steam that turns the turbine.

When considering the methods of producing electricity, six distinct processes are recognized:
chemical, friction, heat, light, magnetism, and pressure.
●​ Chemical energy is how batteries operate, involving ionization and the creation of a flow
of electricity through the movement of electrons.
●​ Friction generates electricity when materials rub against each other, transferring
electrons and creating charge imbalances.
●​ In heat production, electrons jump between two metals with differing temperatures,
yielding electricity.
●​ Light energy, found in solar panels, uses photovoltaic cells to absorb light and liberate
electrons, generating a current.
●​ Magnetism is the principle behind generators, where spinning magnets create electron
flow.
●​ Pressure, or piezoelectricity, can displace charges in non-statically charged materials,
though it is less commonly seen in everyday applications.

Solar power has emerged as the cheapest electricity source, with advancements in solar panel
efficiency driving down costs. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more
affordable, energy prices are expected to decline. For individuals interested in generating their
own electricity at home, options include solar panels, small wind turbines, and fuel-driven
generators. Solar panels are eco-friendly and effective if used in sufficient numbers, while wind
turbines are often impractical for residential areas due to space and permission issues.
Fuel-driven generators, although noisy and costly to operate, are popular for emergency
situations.
References

What is electricity? Types, advantages, and applications | Repsol

How Does Electricity Work? | Erieit

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Electricity timeline | Energy Kids: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Michael Faraday - Electrochemistry, Experiments, Discovery | Britannica

Top 10 pioneers of electricity in history | Alher Sem

How is electricity generated? | BBC Bitesize

How Is Electricity Made? Processes & Storage | Inspire Clean Energy

Key figures in the history of electricity | Endesa