Generating Electricity

Creating currents

You can see that any current in a magnetic field will produce a force, which may make something move.

The opposite affect is that if a wire is moved in a magnetic field, a voltage is produced, and if there is a complete loop, a current will flow. This is how electricity is generated.

There are two main ways to generate electricity:

1. Moving a wire in a magnetic field:

• If the wire is moved in the opposite direction, the current will flow the other way.
• If the wire is moved faster, a larger current will flow.
• If the wire is stationary, no current will flow.

2. Moving a magnet in a coil of wire:

• If the magnet changes direction, the current will flow the other way.
• If the magnetic poles are swapped around, the current will flow the other way.
• If the magnet moves faster, a larger current will flow.
• If the magnet is stationary, no current will flow.

Generating electricity

In industry, electricity is generated by spinning a coil of wire in a magnetic field.

To increase the voltage or current generated:

1. Spin the coil faster.
2. Put more loops on the coil.
3. Use a stronger magnetic field.
4. Use a…