How is mechanical energy converted to electrical

[ducktape]

in, for example a hand cranked generator, or even a hydrocarbon based generator, when there is no ionisation/ oxidation-reduction going on to produce the electrons... where are they coming from? i know how such a generator is physically put togther, but where are the electrons coming?

[jtbell]

The electrons that make up the current are in the wires all along. The generator doesn't "create" any new ones. It simply pushes them along.

[ducktape]

could you explain this more in depth(as in the jumping of the electrons from atoms orbitals)

[Mk]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generator?

[professor]

I love wikipedia. It is the answer to all questions.


edit:( i found wikipedia usefull)