Do Generators Run Out of Electrons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electron flow in electrical circuits, specifically addressing the question of whether generators run out of electrons when generating electricity. Participants explore the nature of electron movement within wires and the functioning of electrical circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how electrons can continue to flow in a circuit without running out, given that there are only a finite number of loose electrons in the copper atoms of the wires.
  • Another participant suggests that a generator functions like a pump, indicating that electrons are not lost but rather circulate through the circuit, emphasizing the importance of a closed loop for electron flow.
  • Some participants clarify that there are multiple wires involved in household circuits, with electrons entering through one wire and exiting through another, reinforcing the idea of a continuous loop.
  • One participant expresses relief and understanding after receiving clarification on the topic, indicating that the analogy of a water pump helped simplify the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the circulating nature of electrons in a closed circuit, but there is an initial confusion regarding the finite number of electrons in the wires. The discussion reflects a mix of clarifications and analogies without a definitive resolution to the initial question posed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about electron behavior in conductors or the implications of electron flow in terms of charge neutrality in the materials involved.

Jarfi
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So, when you generate electricity, you spin a magnet pushing the electrons in the surrounding wires and creating a stream of electrons, now the confusion... If you do this for some time, wouldn't the electrons in the wires run out? I mean there is only a certain number of loose electrons on the copper atoms in the wires, and when the magnetic force field pushes those electrons away to local house holds, how do electrons keep coming out of the wire generating electricity??

I also know that the electrons jump from atom to atom pushing the other electron forward, but than the electrons in the back would still always run out until all the copper atoms had a negative charge... anybody care to elaborate what is going on?
 
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you should think of the generator more like a pump pumping water. yeah it pushes electrons out only if there are more electrons coming from the other wire-end. The electrons are circulating through the electrical circuit. No circuit, no circulation, no loss of electrons.
 
There is more than one wire going into your houseshold. You can think of electrons moving into your house on one wire and leaving your house on the other wire (this is painfully oversimplified in order to amplify the concept that I think you need). An electric circuit consists of a closed loop. A good analogy for beginners is to think of a water pump pumping water through hoses to a "water motor". There must be a hose going from the pump to the motor, and another hose going from the motor back to the pump. The pump both pushes the water toward the pump, and pulls it back from the pump.

Edit: jedishrfu, looks like we posted simultaneously the same answer!
 
the_emi_guy said:
There is more than one wire going into your houseshold. You can think of electrons moving into your house on one wire and leaving your house on the other wire (this is painfully oversimplified in order to amplify the concept that I think you need). An electric circuit consists of a closed loop. A good analogy for beginners is to think of a water pump pumping water through hoses to a "water motor". There must be a hose going from the pump to the motor, and another hose going from the motor back to the pump. The pump both pushes the water toward the pump, and pulls it back from the pump.

Edit: jedishrfu, looks like we posted simultaneously the same answer!

Now I understand, a quite simple thing, made me feel a lot better, thanks:D
 

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