Electricity is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. As a matter of fact, it can even kill you. The most vital part of electricity is called electric energy. This is what we commonly think of when we hear the word electricity. “Electricity” reminds us of anything that we plug into an electrical outlet in order to make it work, such as lights, refrigerators, video games, microwaves, and computers. Scientists discovered ways to produce electric energy in large amounts in order to make heat, light and motion. These discoveries have improved our lives greatly and for many of us it would be difficult to picture what life would be like without electricity.
What Are Some of the Problems With Electricity and Fossil Fuels?
One of the most common ways to produce electricity is through the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which leads to acid rain and global warming. These are big problems for our environment.
Another concern is that we will eventually run out of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy because it takes millions of years to create them. That's why it's so important that we start to develop better ways to use renewable sources of energy such as wind and water power to create electric energy.
How Does Electricity Work?
Everything in the world, including air, humans, water, etc. is made up of atoms, or tiny invisible particles. Protons and neutrons join together to form the nucleus or center of the atom. Electrons, which are even smaller, spin around the nucleus of the atom. When electrons move from one atom to another, they form electricity.
All right, but how do these protons and neutrons help make my computer work at home? In today’s world, huge generators at power plants make electricity by using coal, natural gas, uranium, water, or wind. Electric current travels