⚡ How Is Electricity Made?
4th Grade ⚛️ Physics
Most electricity is made in power plants by spinning a magnet inside coils of wire. Moving electric charges then flow through wires to your home.
Tiny moving charges
Electricity is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. When they move through a wire, they carry energy that can light a bulb or run a computer.
Generators
In a generator, a magnet spins near coils of copper wire, and this pushes electrons along. Something has to spin the generator: steam from burning coal or gas, flowing water at a dam, wind turning a turbine, or nuclear energy.
Solar power
Solar panels work differently: sunlight hits special materials and knocks electrons loose, making electricity with no spinning at all.
Stay safe
Electricity from outlets is powerful. Never put anything in an outlet and keep electric devices away from water.
Quick quiz
What tiny particles flow in electricity?
What spins inside a generator near coils of wire?
Which of these makes electricity from sunlight?