Everything related to electricity. What do beginners need to know about electricity? Electric thief is dangerous for neighbors

Electricity is a stream of particles moving in a certain direction. They have a certain charge. In other words, electricity is the energy that is obtained by movement, as well as the lighting that appears after receiving energy. The term was coined by the scientist William Gilbert in 1600. When conducting experiments with amber, the ancient Greek Thales discovered that the mineral acquired a charge. "Amber" translated from Greek means "electron". This is where the name came from.

Electricity is...

Thanks to electricity, an electric field is created around current conductors or bodies with a charge. Through it, it becomes possible to influence other bodies that also have a certain charge.

Everyone knows that charges can be positive and negative. Of course, this is a conditional division, but according to established history they continue to be designated that way.

If bodies are charged equally, they will repel, and if they are charged differently, they will attract.

The essence of electricity is not only the creation of an electric field. A magnetic field also arises. Therefore, there is a relationship between them.

More than a century later, in 1729, Stephen Gray discovered that there are bodies that have very high resistance. They are capable of conducting

Nowadays, the area of ​​most interest in electricity is thermodynamics. But quantum thermodynamics studies the quantum properties of electromagnetism.

Story

It is hardly possible to name a specific person who discovered the phenomenon. After all, research continues to this day, new properties are being discovered. But in the science we are taught at school, several names are called.

It is believed that the first person to become interested in electricity was someone living in Ancient Greece. It was he who rubbed the amber on the wool and watched as the bodies began to attract each other.

Then Aristotle studied eels, which struck enemies, as they later understood, with electricity.

Pliny later wrote about the electrical properties of resin.

A number of interesting discoveries were attributed to the Queen of England’s physician, William Gilbert.

In the mid-seventeenth century, after the term "electricity" became known, the burgomaster Otto von Guericke invented the electrostatic machine.

In the eighteenth century, Franklin created a whole theory of the phenomenon, saying that electricity is a fluid or immaterial liquid.

In addition to the people mentioned, such famous names are associated with this issue as:

• Pendant;
• Galvani;
• Volt;
• Faraday;
• Maxwell;
• Ampere;
• Lodygin;
• Edison;
• Hertz;
• Thomson;
• Claude.

Despite their undeniable contributions, Nikola Tesla is rightfully recognized as the most powerful scientist in the world.

Nikola Tesla

The scientist was born into the family of a Serbian Orthodox priest in what is now Croatia. At the age of six, the boy discovered a miraculous phenomenon when playing with a black cat: its back suddenly lit up with a stripe of blue color, which was accompanied by sparks when touched. This is how the boy first learned what “electricity” is. This determined his entire future life.

The scientist owns inventions and scientific works about:

• alternating current;
• broadcast;
• resonance;
• field theory;
• radio and much more.

Many people associate the event, which received its name with the name of Nikola Tesla, believing that the huge explosion in Siberia was caused not by the fall of a cosmic body, but by an experiment carried out by the scientist.

Natural electricity

At one time, there was an opinion in scientific circles that electricity does not exist in nature. But this version was refuted when Franklin established the electrical nature of lightning.

It was thanks to her that amino acids began to be synthesized, which means life appeared. It has been established that movements, breathing and other processes occurring in the body arise from a nerve impulse that is electrical in nature.

Well-known fish - electric stingrays - and some other species defend themselves in this way, on the one hand, and hit the prey, on the other.

Application

Electricity is connected through the operation of generators. At power plants, energy is created and transmitted through special lines. Current is generated by converting internal or electrical. The stations that produce it, where electricity is connected or disconnected, come in various types. Among them are:

• wind;
• solar;
• tidal;
• hydroelectric power stations;
• thermal atomic and others.

Electricity is connected almost everywhere today. Modern man cannot imagine life without him. With the help of electricity, lighting is produced, information is transmitted via telephone, radio, television... It powers transport such as trams, trolleybuses, electric trains, and metro trains. Electric cars are appearing and making themselves known more and more boldly.

If there is a power outage in the house, then a person often becomes helpless in various matters, since even household appliances work with the help of this energy.

Tesla's Unsolved Mysteries

The properties of the phenomenon have been studied since ancient times. Humanity has learned how to conduct electricity using various sources. This made their life much easier. Nevertheless, in the future, people still have many discoveries related to electricity.

Some of them may even have already been made by the famous Nikola Tesla, but then were classified or destroyed by him. Biographers claim that at the end of his life, the scientist burned most of the records with his own hands, realizing that humanity was not ready for them and could harm itself by using his discoveries as the most powerful weapon.

But according to another version, it is believed that some of the recordings were seized by US intelligence services. History knows the US Navy destroyer Eldridge, which not only had the ability to be invisible to radar, but also moved instantly in space. There is evidence of an experiment, after which part of the crew then died, the other part disappeared, and the survivors went crazy.

One way or another, it is clear that all the secrets of electricity have not yet been revealed. This means that humanity is not yet morally ready for this.

Many people use electricity, but not many know what its essence is. Electricity, as a natural phenomenon, has always been and will always be. But people, due to their cognitive abilities, can only isolate certain phenomena. And due to their human characteristics, they can sometimes forget, lose, hide knowledge about them. The essence of electricity in our time is revealed in the scientific theories of those scientists who at one time worked hard to understand this invisible force. At different periods, certain discoveries were made, which subsequently gave rise to new questions, to which further attempts were made to answer them.

So, the essence of electricity is that there are so-called elementary particles such as electrons and protons that are part of the atoms and molecules of various substances. Let me remind you that the model of an atom is as follows (similar to the solar system): inside there is a nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons.

Protons have a positive charge, which manifests itself in the form of a force (via the existing field around the particles), acting on another charge of another particle, pushing it away or attracting it. Neurons are, as it were, neutral in terms of charges. Electrons rotate at very high speeds around the nucleus of an atom and have a negative charge. The number of elementary particles in an atom may vary depending on the specific substance.

It is these charges (field forces acting on each other) that are the basis, the essence of electricity, since it is this force that gives rise to various phenomena associated with the manifestation of electricity in the world. When the total amount of positive charge of protons is equal to the negative charge of electrons that make up an atom of a substance, then in general the atom will be electrically neutral in relation to other atoms. But if, for one reason or another, one or another type of charge begins to predominate in the atom, then forces will appear that will strive to equalize this imbalance of electric charge.

But different substances behave differently in terms of redistribution of electrical charges. For some, electrons are so strongly attracted to their atomic nuclei that they are unable to escape from their orbit of rotation. In other substances, these electrons are quite easily separated from the atoms and begin to wander through neighboring atoms of the substance. In the first case, the substances are called dielectrics, while in the other case (where electrons wander freely), the substances are called conductors of electricity. That is, these electrical charges flow from one place to another, thereby forming an electric current.

The further essence of electricity is already connected precisely with the various movements of these electrons in different environments, in different materials and different conditions. As a result, we get all the variety of electrical phenomena, processes and interactions. For example, a regular battery. It contains various chemical substances that interact with each other from one state to another, and the accompanying process will be the redistribution of electrons between the changing substances inside. If there is an imbalance of electrical charges, then there is a force trying to equalize it. This same power is used in a battery to power various electrical devices.

Metals serve as conductors of these same electrons (charged particles). They easily flow along the conductor from one section to another. While the electrons are moving, parallel physical phenomena occur. For example, when many electrons move in an orderly manner through a thin conductor, they collide with atoms that are stationary in their places in the crystal lattice of the substance. As a result of such collisions, the energy of electron motion is converted into heat energy of the atom with which the collision occurred. That is, the energy of electron motion partially converted into heat energy, heating the substance.

Another example that demonstrates the essence of electricity is the interaction of electromagnetic fields. Let me remind you that there is an electric field around stationary charged particles, and a magnetic field also arises around moving electric particles. As a result, when charged particles move around them, a general electromagnetic field is formed that can act on other similar fields of other charged particles. This is how an electric motor works. It is the magnetic fields that cause the electric motor to rotate when electric charges flow through its windings from one pole to the other.

P.S. - so we have understood in general terms the essence of electricity and its phenomena. For a better understanding, simply imagine how very small particles flow very quickly from one place to another along their electrical circuit. If there is a potential difference (in one place there is an accumulation of one type of charge, and in another, of the opposite type), then when a path appears (chain connection), the process of equalizing these same potentials begins. Electric current is flowing. That's all.

Will there ever be a free electrical grid available to users at any time, anywhere on the planet, 24 hours a day, all year round, created entirely without burning fossil fuels or polluting the environment? Will everyone have access to this kind of technology? We have all been tormented by the question for quite some time now: is free energy a myth or reality? Can it come from almost nowhere, and what should be the ways to get it?

Let's try to figure out whether the existence of a "technology" of free electricity is possible, and whether there is a chance of its use outside the financial market system of the planet.

The concept of an “energy crisis”, which has been used to justify such phenomena as wars and extermination of the planet’s population for many years, does not exist at all - this is one of the biggest deceptions in the entire history of mankind. Methods for generating electricity have long been discovered, as stated in the ready-made , which does not need to be changed.

The reality of using free electricity was noted by Nikola Tesla. The great Serbian inventor and scientist was one of the first to defend the idea of ​​​​the possibility of the collapse of organizations of general social influence - monopolies, justifying his assertions by the fact that earthly electric currents can be provided to us completely free of charge, and such benefits as heat and light should not cost absolutely anything. For many years, the scientist tried to master the secrets of “stray” electric currents, wanting to put an end to oppression and robbery on the part of the owners of telephone, telegraph and other corporations using electrical energy for commercial purposes, but Tesla did not calculate that the millionaires who had learned for decades It’s quite a good idea to empty wallets and allow his discoveries to become the property of the people.

As history shows, Nikola Tesla discovered the secret of generating electrical currents from the earth. During his experiments, he even managed to transmit sound currents using earth electricity. The goal of all his work boiled down to one thing - to make electricity free, putting it at the service of the goals of industry and people. Electrical energy, which is stored in the ground for eternity and is as accessible as air, should not cost money. There should be no privileges in the right to use electricity, and government agencies should not grant individual ownership rights to this good to individual corporations in order to create conditions for the use of public property solely for personal gain.

Nikola Tesla was the wizard who was able to free humanity from the shackles of monopolistic corporations. However, as practice has shown, discoveries in a particular area may not always become known to humanity - there are mechanisms that prevent the dissemination of information that could harm the existing system of power. The actual use of free electricity could deal a death blow to corporate slavery, so it is understandable why many of Tesla's developments and discoveries were never made public.

Sound travels with amazing speed, but it is difficult to even imagine and find a comparable phenomenon that can spread with the same speed as electrical vibrations. Proving the speed and intangibility of electricity, Nikola Tesla compared the speed of its movement with the flight of a bullet: the time for pressing the trigger of a revolver and the appearance of a bullet from its barrel is quite enough to cross the entire circumference of the Earth seven and a half times. Sound travels 1,250 meters per second, while an electrical impulse travels 186,000 miles (299,337 km) during this time. If the electric currents filling our planet are used, a new era will begin not only for the electrical industry, but for all of humanity. It was precisely to master the secrets of these earthly currents and the possibility of their conquest by man that the brilliant scientist Tesla sought.

Nikola Tesla believed that our entire planet is a gigantic source of energy, and we just need to learn to use its gifts - collecting this energy. While working at a radio station in Colorado Springs, Nikola Tesla made a statement that he was finally able to capture the electric field surrounding the planet and filling the surrounding space. It goes without saying that such a statement was not given the opportunity to be made public, since if Tesla's sayings were true, such energy sources as coal, oil and even water power would become unnecessary to anyone, as well as transcontinental power lines.

It turned out that all cities and industrial enterprises would simply be able to receive energy from the spatial energy field. If the arguments of the inventor Tesla were brought to the masses, people like J.P. Morgan, who had constant power over the then known sources of energy, could lose their position in society. Therefore, Tesla was forced to curtail work, and its Technical Center in Colorado Springs was simply closed. But even threats could not force Tesla to give up - until his death he continued to devote himself to science and made discoveries, created inventions that could revolutionize world industry. With the help of his inventions, Tesla wanted to improve people's lives, turn the Earth into a paradise in which everyone would be equal and have the same opportunities. In particular, he managed to develop a multiphase electric motor, which was built into a limousine and connected to an electrical generator that converts the energy of the Earth's magnetic field. There is an opinion that Tesla even managed to find an effective way to transfer energy over a distance.

Free resource = Free energy = Free electricity at home!

In the last decade, discussion of the possibility of using free electricity has been quite relevant. It is quite difficult to unambiguously confirm the plausibility of the theory of the reality of creating free electricity from the free resources around us, but it is also impossible to contradict it - this kind of information about the existence of a free alternative simply could not just arise out of nowhere. In truth, if you look around you, you can see huge amounts of free resources (sun, wind, industrial waste, tides and currents) that could be used by almost anyone as an energy source. Energy surrounds us, we just need to know what to cling to!

The energy revolution is just around the corner! Already today, renewable sources account for more than 25% of the global energy balance and it is expected that by 2020 this figure will increase to 40%. True, in order to observe the promising development of the industry of alternative energy sources, the mechanism for regulating the energy market needs to be changed today. To a certain extent, specialists from the Agora Energiewende research center in Germany have come closer to solving this problem. German experts believe that thanks to the introduction of a market regulation mechanism, Germany will be able to ensure not only an increase in capacity based on renewable energy sources, but also contribute to the development of advanced electric power technologies, such as storing excess electricity. This project has already been supported by the largest energy companies in Germany - RWE and E.ON.

An interesting development of a home mini-power station that could be used in almost every home was proposed by chemist Erwin Reisner. A new type of reactor would produce not only electricity, but also fuel by using light energy and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as raw materials. Reisner's technology uses sunlight to split water and carbon dioxide and produce hydrogen or synthesis gas, which can subsequently be used as fuel. Synthesis gas can also be converted into liquid hydrocarbons - automobile fuel and raw materials for chemicals. industry. Hydrogen could be used in electricity production. Last year, it was already possible to experimentally demonstrate the process of hydrogen production according to Reisner technology.

The viable implementation of Reisner’s project would not only allow us to abandon the internal combustion engine, but also create conditions for the possibility of providing almost every person with heat and energy independently.

When it comes to promising alternative energy sources, many immediately imagine fields with huge bladed windmills or huge areas of solar panels erected on them. The energy of wind and the sun is inexhaustible, environmentally friendly, and available to every inhabitant of our planet. According to 2011 data, the total capacity of all wind turbines in the world was 196.6 gigawatts. The amount of electrical energy produced by wind generators in the same year amounted to 430 terawatt-hours, which is equal to 2.5% of all electricity produced by humanity. It is wind and solar energy that may have a promising future, but as the saying goes, “Until the thunder strikes...”. While nuclear power plants continue to operate, states are not seeking to massively introduce modern alternative technologies. The main problem today is a systematic approach to the issue of energy consumption. A lot is said about innovative developments, but the energy production system is built in such a way that everything promising and interesting is always left for later. When, in 15-20 years, there is a shortage of electricity, people will begin to remember old discoveries, previously created inventions. Water, sun and air are raw materials that could be used not only in the production of electricity, but also fuel for cars, because perhaps it’s already enough to destroy the environment with gasoline processing products?

Power outages are not uncommon even in our modern and technologically advanced 21st century. Often, a temporary blackout does not affect the quality of life in any way, but it can happen differently. Imagine, you are away on a business trip for a week, and in your absence the lights in the apartment were repeatedly turned off for a long time, and by the time you arrived, the food had already deteriorated, but the smell had not yet appeared. It is not difficult to imagine what will happen after such a meal. This is just one example, but there can be many. But the Americans came up with a very interesting, and most importantly simple way of how you can check whether the electricity was turned off in your absence.

Classmates

So, all you need is a small container filled with water, a freezer and a coin of any denomination. First, the container with the liquid must be completely frozen. After this, place a coin on the resulting piece of ice and put it back into the freezer.

As soon as you feel the need to find out if the power has been cut, simply look in the freezer and look at the condition of your creation. If the coin lies as before, then everything is fine and the electricity worked properly. If the coin “sank” under a small layer of ice, then the light was turned off, but not for long. Well, if the coin lies frozen at the very bottom, it is better to update the set of products in the refrigerator.

Coin in the freezer - a proven method

What harms and kills in current is its strength (measured in amperes), not voltage. Under the right conditions, even a 12-volt battery can cause serious harm and, in extreme cases, death.

Wood and rubber objects are good insulators

When working with electricity around the house, the first thing most people do is remove rings and earrings and put on rubber gloves and shoes. While these are good first steps, they are not enough to prevent an incident. Contrary to popular belief, most things in the house are to some extent conductors rather than insulators.

Pure rubber is an excellent insulator. But most rubber shoes, gloves and other accessories are not made from pure rubber. Regular rubber contains many other additional substances that increase its durability. Even a tree can be a conductor in certain conditions.

Generators create electricity


A backup power generator is a great thing for a rainy day because it produces electricity. What does it really produce?

The generator converts mechanical (or other) energy into electrical energy. When the generator operates, it causes electrons already present in the wires and circuit to flow through the circuit. The heart does not create blood, it only pumps it through the veins and arteries. Likewise, a generator helps electrons flow, but does not create them.

Electric currents are only flowing electrons


Although electricity can be summarized as "the flow of electrons through a conductor", this is not entirely correct. The type of electric current in a conductor depends solely on the conductor.

For example, in the case of plasma, neon lights, fluorescent lights and flash, a clever combination of proton and electron currents is used. In other conductors - such as electrolytes, salt water, solid ice and battery fluid - the electric current is a flow of positive hydrogen ions, which is also a form of electricity.

Electricity travels at the speed of light


Most people associate electricity with lightning from childhood, leading to the misconception that electrons and electricity travel at the speed of light. Or almost. While it is true that an electromagnetic wave of energy travels through a conductor at 50 to 99 percent the speed of light, it is important to understand that the electrons themselves move very slowly, no faster than a couple of centimeters per second.

Likewise, when you hear a sound from 300 meters away, the air pressure in your ear is not caused by molecules moving away from the source, but rather by a compression wave that ripples through and affects all the air molecules between you.

Power lines are insulated


Most wires and cables that we come into contact with - chargers, lamps, power cords, connecting cables - are securely insulated with rubber or plastic. It would be obvious to assume that overhead power lines are also insulated. Birds can sit on them without harming themselves, right? No not like this.

The only reason the birds don't get shocked is because they don't touch the ground while on the cable. As a result, no electron current occurs. Because insulation is so expensive, most overhead power lines are always live and can seriously hit 1,000 or even 700,000 volts.

Static electricity is different from the rest


Static electricity is fun: drag a cat across a plastic window sill while he claws at you, and he'll spend the next half minute crackling funny, not knowing what's going on. You probably think that static electricity is different from the one that makes our lives warm and varied. But the only difference between current and static electricity is that one is direct current and the other is instantaneous equalization.

The current in a wall outlet is a field of electromagnetic energy waiting to be transmitted by electrons in a conductor, such as a power cable. Once connected, the flow remains constant until the cable is disconnected from the network. Static electricity occurs when two conductors with different charges come close to each other. When the space between them - the insulating gap - becomes small enough, the charge closes the gap, creating an arc of electricity as the two charges equalize.