How ELECTRICITY works - working principle
3 min read
8 months ago
Published on Apr 21, 2024
This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Understanding How Electricity Works
-
Introduction to Atoms and Electricity:
- Everything, including you, is made from atoms. Atoms are made up of three particles: protons and neutrons in the nucleus, and electrons orbiting around the nucleus in orbital shells.
- Protons are positively charged, neutrons have no charge, and electrons are negatively charged.
-
Conductors and Insulators:
- Atoms with loosely bound electrons are conductors (e.g., metals), allowing electrons to flow between atoms.
- Atoms without free electrons are insulators (e.g., glass, rubber), preventing electron flow.
-
Creating Electrical Circuits:
- Combine conductors and insulators to create safe electrical circuits.
- A closed circuit allows electrons to flow, while an open circuit does not.
-
Voltage and Current:
- Voltage is the force that pushes electrons in a circuit. It is measured in volts (joules per coulomb).
- Current is the flow of electrons in a circuit, measured in amperes (amps).
-
Resistance in Circuits:
- Resistance restricts the flow of electrons in a circuit. Different materials have varying resistance levels.
- Resistance can be purposely added using resistors to control electron flow or create light and heat.
-
Electromagnets and Transformers:
- When current passes through a wire coil, it generates a magnetic field.
- Coiling the wire around an iron core increases the magnetic field strength, creating electromagnets.
- Transformers use coils to induce voltage between primary and secondary coils, allowing for voltage adjustment.
-
Capacitors and Types of Current Electricity:
- Capacitors store and release electrons across two plates when connected to a power supply.
- There are two types of current electricity: Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).
- AC flows back and forth in a circuit, while DC flows in one direction only.
-
Converters and Applications:
- Power electronics can convert AC to DC and vice versa for various applications.
- Understanding the differences and applications of AC and DC power sources.
-
Further Learning:
- Explore the reasons behind using AC and DC power sources.
- Research the inventors and history of electricity for a deeper understanding.
-
Conclusion:
- Visit theengineeringmindset.com for more information and resources.
- If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section of the video.
By following these steps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how electricity works, from the basics of atoms to the applications of AC and DC power sources in our daily lives.