The energy associated with the forces acting upon charged particles and their subsequent movement is a fundamental concept, often described as electrical energy. This energy is transferred when electric charges traverse between locations possessing different electric potentials, essentially moving across a potential difference. As these charges either gain or lose electric potential, work is performed, leading to a transformation in the energy state of a particular system. The precise quantity of this work, measured in joules, is determined by multiplying the magnitude of the charge that has been displaced, expressed in coulombs, by the potential difference it has crossed, quantified in volts. [1]
In practical terms, the sale of electrical energy is predominantly conducted using the kilowatt hour as the unit of measurement. One kilowatt hour, equivalent to 3.6 megajoules, represents the product of power, measured in kilowatts, and the duration of operation in hours. The entities responsible for supplying electricity, known as electric utilities, meticulously track the energy delivered to their customers through devices called electricity meters, which maintain a continuous record of consumption.
A common manifestation of converting electrical energy into a more tangible form is observed in electric heating, where it is transformed into thermal energy. The most straightforward and widely employed method for electric heating involves utilizing electrical resistance to facilitate this energy conversion. However, electrical energy can be harnessed through various other mechanisms. When electric charges are in motion, forming an electric current, and pass through a heating element subjected to a potential difference across its extremities, energy is transferred from the charges to the element. This process augments the element's temperature and its stored thermal energy, as the moving charges dissipate their potential energy.
Electricity Generation
The intricate process of generating electrical energy from diverse forms of energy is known as electricity generation. The foundational principles underpinning this phenomenon were meticulously unveiled during the 1820s and early 1830s by the distinguished British scientist Michael Faraday. His pioneering method, which remains the bedrock of modern electricity generation, involves inducing an electric current through the dynamic interaction of a conductive loop, such as a disc of copper, with the magnetic field generated between the poles of a magnet. [2]
For the vast network of electrical utilities, this generation process represents the initial crucial phase in the comprehensive delivery of electricity to end-users. Subsequent stages, including electricity transmission, its subsequent distribution, and the sophisticated methods of electrical energy storage and retrieval, such as those employed in pumped-storage systems, are typically managed by the specialized electric power industry. [3]
The predominant method for generating electricity involves large-scale facilities known as power stations. Within these stations, electromechanical generators are employed, primarily propelled by heat engines. These heat engines are fueled by the chemical energy released during combustion or the energy liberated through nuclear fission. Alternative means of driving these generators capitalize on the kinetic energy inherent in moving natural forces, such as flowing water or wind. Beyond these established technologies, a diverse array of other methods are actively utilized and continuously developed for electricity generation, including solar photovoltaics, which directly convert sunlight into electricity, and geothermal power, which harnesses the Earth's internal heat.
References
- ^ "Energy and power in electric circuits - Electric circuits - AQA - GCSE Physics (Single Science) Revision - AQA". BBC Bitesize. Retrieved 2025-02-13.
- ^ "Michael Faraday House". The Institution of Engineering & Technology. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
- ^ "Keep the Power On" (PDF). IEC Electrical Energy. Retrieved 8 November 2015. [permanent dead link]
Fundamental Concepts
- Conservation of energy
- Energetics
- Energy
- Units of energy
- Energy condition
- Energy level
- Energy system
- Energy transformation
- Energy transition
- Mass
- Negative mass
- Mass–energy equivalence
- Power (physics)
- Thermodynamics
- Enthalpy
- Entropic force
- Entropy
- Exergy
- Free entropy
- Heat capacity
- Heat transfer
- Irreversible process
- Isolated system
- Laws of thermodynamics
- Negentropy
- Quantum thermodynamics
- Thermal equilibrium
- Thermal reservoir
- Thermodynamic equilibrium
- Thermodynamic free energy
- Thermodynamic potential
- Thermodynamic state
- Thermodynamic system
- Thermodynamic temperature
- Volume (thermodynamics)
- Work (physics)
Types
- Binding energy
- Nuclear binding energy
- Chemical energy
- Dark energy
- Elastic energy
- Electric potential energy
- Electrical energy
- Gravitational energy
- Gravitational binding energy
- Interatomic potential
- Internal energy
- Ionization energy
- Kinetic energy
- Magnetic energy
- Mechanical energy
- Negative energy
- Phantom energy
- Potential energy
- Quantum chromodynamics binding energy
- Quantum fluctuation
- Quantum potential
- Quintessence (physics)
- Radiant energy
- Rest energy
- Sound energy
- Surface energy
- Thermal energy
- Vacuum energy
- Zero-point energy
Energy Carriers
- Battery (electric)
- Capacitor
- Electricity
- Enthalpy
- Fuel
- Fossil fuel
- Fuel oil
- Heat
- Latent heat
- Hydrogen
- Hydrogen fuel
- Mechanical wave
- Radiation
- Sound wave
- Work (physics)
Primary Energy
- Bioenergy
- Fossil fuel
- Coal
- Natural gas
- Petroleum
- Geothermal energy
- Gravitational energy
- Hydropower
- Marine energy
- Nuclear fuel
- Natural uranium
- Radiant energy
- Solar energy
- Wind power
Energy System Components
- Biomass
- Electric power
- Electricity delivery
- Energy engineering
- Fossil fuel power station
- Cogeneration
- Integrated gasification combined cycle
- Geothermal power
- Hydropower
- Hydroelectricity
- Tidal power
- Wave farm
- Nuclear power
- Nuclear power plant
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
- Oil refinery
- Solar power
- Concentrated solar power
- Photovoltaic system
- Solar thermal energy
- Solar furnace
- Solar power tower
- Wind power
- Airborne wind energy
- Wind farm
Use and Supply
- Efficient energy use
- Energy efficiency in agriculture
- Power usage effectiveness
- Energy efficiency in transport
- Energy conservation
- Energy consumption
- Energy policy
- Energy development
- Energy security
- Energy storage
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable energy
- World energy supply and consumption
- Energy in Africa
- Energy in Asia
- Energy in Australia
- Energy policy of Canada
- Energy in Europe
- Energy in Mexico
- Energy in South America
- Energy in the United States
Miscellaneous
- Energy in work
- Carbon footprint
- Energy democracy
- Energy recovery
- Energy recycling
- Jevons paradox
- Waste-to-energy
- Waste-to-energy plant
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