Producing Electric Current
1. Electromagnetic Induction An electric current is produced by moving a loop of wire through a magnetic field or by moving a magnet through a wire loop.
2. Generator Produces electric current by rotating a coil of wire through a permanent magnetic field.
3. Electricity in your Home Provided via a power plant which has huge generators. Turbines - large wheel that rotates when pushed by water, wind, or steam. Change the mechanical energy of the turbines to electrical energy.
4. Direct vs. Alternating Current Direct Current (DC) – current flows in only one direction; example: battery Alternating Current (AC) – reverses direction of the current flow
5. Transformers Contain two coils of wire (primary and secondary) Controls the amount of voltage
6. Types of Transformers Step-Up - increases voltage, secondary coil has more turns of wire than the primary coil
6.Types of Transformers Step-Down- the primary coil has more turns of wire than the secondary coil; used to bring power into your home
6. Types of Transformers
7. How Electricity Travels
8. Transmit AC As electricity flows through power lines, a large percentage is lost due to conversion to thermal energy. To reduce loss, send electricity at very high voltages.