Electricity is a secondary energy source that we get from the conversion of other sources of energy such as coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear power, and so on. Here are some ways that electricity is generated:
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Electric generators: These devices convert a form of energy into electricity. Most of the worlds electricity generation is from generators that are based on Michael Faradays discovery in 1831 that moving a magnet inside a coil of wire induces an electric current to flow in the wire. Electromagnetic generators use an electromagnet, which is a magnet produced by electricity, not a traditional magnet. A basic electromagnetic generator has a series of insulated coils of wire that form a stationary cylinder surrounding an electromagnetic shaft called a rotor. Turning the rotor makes an electric current flow in each section of the wire coil, which becomes a separate electric conductor. The currents in the individual sections combine to form one large current, which is the electricity that moves from generators through power lines to consumers.
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Fossil fuels: Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Natural gas was the largest source of U.S. electricity generation in 2022, accounting for about 40% of U.S. electricity generation. Coal and petroleum are also used to generate electricity.
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Nuclear energy: Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission. Nuclear energy was the source of about 18% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022.
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Renewable energy sources: Many renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity, including wind, hydropower, solar power, biomass, and geothermal. Together, renewable energy sources generated about 20% of the countrys electricity in 2020.
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Hydroelectric power: Most large hydroelectric power plants generate electricity by storing water in vast reservoirs behind dams. Water from the reservoirs flows through turbines to generate electricity.
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Wind power: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, which can be used to generate electricity.
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Solar power: Solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly to electricity using semiconductors.
In summary, electricity is created by converting other forms of energy such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources into electrical energy using generators or turbines.
