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Accessible and easy to produce

Electricity can be generated from a wide variety of energy sources, both renewable and non-renewable.

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Manageable and easy to transport

Electricity can be transported over long distances and on a large scale through transmission and distribution networks.

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Versatile and easy to transform

Electricity can also be transformed into other types of energy such as light (lighting a light bulb), heat (lighting an electric radiator), or motion (using an engine).

What is the origin of the electricity we use in our daily lives? While it is true that electricity is present in nature, for example, as lightning and thunderstorms, the reality is that this type of energy is difficult to store. As a result, we need power plants that are constantly producing the electricity we use.

closed loop dynamic electricity

Dynamic electricity

Dynamic energy, as the name implies, involves movement. In the case of dynamic electricity, electrons travel through a closed circuit thanks to the use of conductive materials such as metal wires.

static electricity between hair and a brush

Static electricity

This is from the accumulation of excess electrical charge on non-conductive materials. An electrostatic charge arises, for example, after the separation of two surfaces in contact, as in the case of friction between hair and a balloon.

electromagnetic energy by means of magnets

Electromagnetic energy

This energy propagates through waves through a space called an electromagnetic field. It’s the energy of the waves emitted by microwave ovens or X-rays, for example.

These are some of the characteristics of electricity with examples:

Conductivity

Electricity can flow through certain materials called conductors, such as metals. Conductors allow electrons to flow freely, allowing electricity to pass through. Examples of good conductors include copper, aluminum, and gold.

Voltage

Voltage is a measure of the electrical potential difference between two points. It is often referred to as “electrical pressure” and is measured in volts (V). For example, a common voltage in a household electrical circuit is 120 V. A higher voltage means a greater amount of electrical energy is available to do work.

Current

Current is a measure of the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A) and is affected by factors such as the voltage and the resistance of the circuit. A common example of current is the flow of electric charge through a light bulb, which causes it to light up.

Resistance

Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for electricity to flow through a material. It is measured in ohms (Ω). Materials that have high resistance, such as rubber, are called insulators and do not allow electricity to flow through them easily. examples of materials that have low resistance are copper, gold, and aluminum, they are good conductors.

Power

Power is the rate at which energy is used or converted. It is measured in watts (W) and is the product of voltage and current. An example of power usage is a 100-watt light bulb that is on for one hour uses 100 watt-hours of energy.

Energy

Energy is the ability to do work and is measured in joules (J). Electric energy is the energy that results from the movement of electric charge. An example of electric energy is the energy stored in a battery that powers a flashlight.