Generating Electrical Energy Energy isn’t created or destroyed, so how can we “get” electricity?

Generators turns mechanical energy into electrical energy

Cells – change chemical or radiant energy into electrical energy

Parts of a Cell Electrolyte and Electrodes

Electrolyte mixture of chemicals that allow electrons to flow

Electrode pair of conductors through which electrons enter and exit

What makes it work? Chemical changes between the electrolyte and the electrodes convert chemical energy into electrical energy

Two kinds of cells: Wet Cells Dry Cells

Wet Cells – have liquid electrolytes Example: car battery

Leaking Battery Acid

Dry Cells – have solid or paste-like electrolytes Example: camera batteries

Thermocouple A device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy

Thermocouple The greater the temperature difference, the greater the current Not much energy, but help monitor temp. of engines and furnaces

Photocells A device that converts light energy into electrical energy

Photocells

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