What is electric power and examples

Electric energy is that which is generated when there is a potential difference between two points or more points, that is, between points with different electrical charges. This makes it possible for an electrical current to be established between the points by bringing them into contact through an electrical conductor. Thus, the electrical current is produced that is converted into electricity that we can use for our day to day.

Here you can learn how electricity was discovered .

Within this energy we can distinguish different forms of electricity or types of electrical energy :

• Static: it occurs when two neutrally charged materials come into contact, that is, their atoms have the same amount of positive charges (protons) as negative (negative) charges. By separating these materials they can gain or lose negative charges (electrons). This imbalance in the distribution of charges is what generates an electrostatic field.
• Dynamics: it is when there is a constant flow of electrons thanks to a permanent source of electricity.
• Electromagnetic: it occurs in electromagnetic fields, where waves of magnetic and electric fields propagate through space at the speed of light. Find out here what is electromagnetic pollution, causes, consequences and examples .

Here are some examples where electrical power is used :

• Lighting of urban centers: electrical energy allows our cities and towns to be illuminated. With this in mind, you may be interested in knowing how to save electricity at home .
• Rechargeable batteries: these batteries, which are usually found in mobile phones or laptops, among other devices, once they are exhausted they must be connected to the supply network to recharge them
• Electric heating: these work thanks to a resistance system, they are less polluting than heating systems that use combustion materials, but they do need a large load of electrical energy. Learn here How to save on electric heating .
• Lightning – Lightning is an example where electrical power is generated naturally.
• Activation of household appliances: any that need to be plugged in to connect to the electrical supply network; washing machines, television, microwave, etc.

Now that you know all this, you may wonder how electrical energy is generated and here we clarify it. There are different ways to produce electrical energy but, in general, the process to generate it is carried out in a power plant, or it could also be generated in smaller quantities thanks to specialized devices. Power plants generate electricity as a result of the turning of turbines that are moved by the steam produced by heating water, through:

• The burning of fossil fuels .
• The nuclear reactions .

But there are not only power plants that use non-renewable energy sources . There are also many power plants that take advantage of renewable energy sources , such as:

• Hydraulic power .
• Wind energy . In this case and in that of hydraulics, they use renewable sources of air and water, respectively, to move the turbines that will produce electricity.
• Another example would be the transformation of solar energy into electrical energy thanks to photovoltaic panels.

When electricity is obtained, it will go to the power lines to be distributed by large cities and all those facilities that demand it. Although, if there is a time when so much electricity is not being demanded, it could be stored in different circuits to be used at a time of greater demand.

Electric power was a before and after in society, allowing advances in industrialization and technological development. In fact, without it the society we know today would be impossible. However, there are advantages as well as disadvantages in it:

Advantages of electric power

• We are facing a very powerful and fast energy.
• It’s easy to use.
• Storage for long periods of time is possible.
• Handling it is not very expensive.

Disadvantages of electric power

• The greatest disadvantage of electric energy is due to the high cost involved in producing it, since to generate it it is generally necessary to use fuels that, in addition, are a threat to the environment, therefore, its high cost is not only economic, but also environmental.
• Another disadvantage is that the contact of electricity with living beings can cause burns, as happens with flying birds colliding with power lines.
• If there is a problem on the premises, fires can occur.
• The vulnerability of power lines to the most extreme weather conditions (such as a storm) can damage them causing blackouts or the distribution network suffers a fall.

Due to the great disadvantage of electrical energy, the demand for green energies that come from renewable sources , such as wind or solar radiation, is increasing .

If you want to read more articles similar to What is electrical energy and examples , we recommend that you enter our category of Non-renewable energies .