Electrons are a part of every atom, electricity is what results when electrons are flowing through a conductor. Ultimately, all that is needed to generate electricity is a metal wire for a conductor and a catalyst to start the electrons flowing.
There are many different sources of electricity and many different ways electricity can be produced.
The most common method for generating electricity is moving a magnet around a conductor. Electricity can also be generated or by putting two different conductors into salt water, or by touching two different conductors together and shining light on them. The most common for is by using magnets, but there's even a backpack that uses the energy of a walking person to generate up to 7 watts of electricity, enough to power many devices simultaneously.
When we talk about different sources of electricity we refer to the different types of fuel or power used to generate electricity, but except for solar power, they all involve spinning a copper wire between magnets.
When a magnetic field is in motion relative to a copper wire it triggers the flow of electrons in the wire, creating electricity.
With the exception of pv cells / photovoltaic cells , power plants and electrical generators use large quantities of copper wiring wrapped around a shaft - called an armature - spinning inside very large magnets at very high speeds. In power plants, most often the armature is turned by the force of water or steam. Electrical generators are most often powered by natural gas.
Steam turbine generators, gas turbine generators, diesel engine generators, nuclear power, and alternate energy systems, all follow this principle, each providing a unique way to spin the copper wiring.
We are still improving this process in search of energy solutions that carry the least cost when both the expense of generating it and the cost of damage to the health of people and the environment are considered.
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