Electricity & Magnetism at Work Generating Electric Energy Chapter 3 Section 2

Electromagnetic Induction An electric current will be produced in a conductor when the conductor moves across the lines of a magnetic field

AC/DC The flow of the induced current may be constant (direct), or it may change directions (alternating).

Alternating Current From power plantA current consisting of charges that move back and forth

Direct Current BatteryElectrons move away from one end of the battery and into the other end

Generators Uses motion to produce an electric current A motor… run backwards

Turbines Flowing water from a dam, wind, steam from the burning of fuels, and even the ocean’s tides can be used to turn turbines

Generating Electricity Coal –56.5% Nuclear –21.9% Hydroelectric –10.7% Natural Gas –8.5% Petroleum –2.2% Other –0.2%

Renewable Resources Can be replaced in nature at a rate close to the rate at which it is used.

Nonrenewable Resources Exists in a fixed/limited amount Fossil Fuels

Coal Moderate Cost Large Supply Damage from mining Air Pollution (Sulfur)

Oil Moderate cost Adequate supply Oil Spills

Natural Gas Moderate cost Adequate supply

Nuclear Power No air pollutionExpensive set-up Radioactive waste Terrorist target

Hydroelectricity Low costs No waste Dam able rivers are rare Disturbs wildlife

Wind Moderate cost No wastes Inexhaustible supply Winds are variable Wind farms require large areas of land

Sun No waste Inexhaustible supply Expensive set up Requires large area of land Sunlight varies with weather and time of day

Geothermal Power Low operating costsModerate set-up costs Potential sites are uncommon

Tidal Plant No wasteExpensive set-up Power varies with the tides