Generating Electricity
November 14th, 2008
Electricity is the backbone of our economy and our everyday lives. Production of energy is therefore very important to maintaining our style of life. Electricity is currently made mainly by the burning of fossil fuels (coal), nuclear fission, and with energy derived from water and wind.
With most types of electricity generation, energy is used to turn magnets in turbines which induce electric current in wiring. Here are several ways that we make electricity:
Burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petrol. They can be burned to boil water in large furnaces or along heating pipes, and the heated water vapor can be used to drive large turbines. The products of burning are generally very hazardous to the environment. These fuels are also not renewable because they took millions of years to be created in the first place, so we shouldn’t be depending on them for much longer - or they will run out.
Falling water. Hydroelectric plants can be created at waterfall sites to funnel the falling water down into turbines in order to turn them. Hydroelectric dams can generate a lot of electricity and can also be used to restrict bodies of water. They may, on the other hand, damage local ecosystems.
Over 90 % of the world’s renewable energy is produced by hydroelectric dams.
Wind energy. Wind generators use propeller wings that spin in the wind to turn a generator which induces electric current in electrical lines. Wind turbines are very environmentally sound and are becoming more and more economical each day.
Nuclear fission. Nuclear fission can be accomplished in large nuclear power plants in order to generate large amounts of heat energy. This process uses unstable matter such as a certain uranium isotope to create a nuclear reaction and boil water to turn turbines.
Solar energy. The energy of the sun’s rays can also be used to make electricity, without turning a turbine. Photons transfer their energy directly to electrons in solar panels to start the electrical circuit.
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