If you crank a generator in space

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    Crank Generator Space
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the generation of electricity in a generator, particularly in the context of whether it would function in space. Participants explore the source of electrons in electrical circuits and the mechanics of how generators operate.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the source of electrons during electricity generation, questioning if they come from ambient air and whether a generator would work in space.
  • Another participant explains that electrons come from appliances and compares a generator's function to that of a water pump, emphasizing the importance of electron recirculation in maintaining circuit operation.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario about the consequences of removing electrons from a circuit, specifically regarding the operation of an appliance like a light bulb.
  • Further clarification is provided that electrons cannot be removed from the circuit; rather, a generator pumps electrons to one end of a wire, and in AC systems, it causes electrons to vibrate without significant directional movement.
  • One participant acknowledges their understanding after the explanations provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the initial question regarding the operation of generators in space, as it primarily focuses on the mechanics of electron flow and circuit operation rather than resolving the specific scenario posed.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the behavior of electrons in circuits without addressing potential limitations related to the definitions of electricity generation or the specific conditions in space that may affect generator operation.

linux kid
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I am confused about where the electrons come from when electricity is generated. Is it from ambient air? So this means A generator would not work in space?
 
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They come from your appliances.

A generator works like a water pump. Electrons are sucked in at one wire, and squirted down the other wire at higher electric pressure (a la voltage). It would all stop working if electrons weren't able to recirculate back again (indeed, your lights go off whenever you break open this circuit).
 
so there must be a certain amount of electron available. And what if you somehow kept removing those electrons what would happen to the appliance (eg. light bulb)?
 
the point is that you can't remove the electrons. the best you can do is try to pump a lot of them up to one end of a wire (but this is hard to do because it leaves the other end positively charged, so the electrons are attracted to move back again somehow), and your appliance just stops the moment the electrons aren't moving through it anymore.

..actually, what I've described is the simpler case of DC. In the real world of AC, what the generator does is more like making the electrons in the connected wire vibrate (not significantly moving electrons in any direction overall, not going anywhere, hence not coming from anywhere).
 
Last edited:
Oh...I get it now. Thanks.
 

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