If you crank a generator in space

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    Crank Generator Space
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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the mechanics of electricity generation, particularly in relation to generators in space. It establishes that electrons are not sourced from ambient air but are part of a closed circuit, akin to a water pump, where they circulate between wires. The conversation highlights the distinction between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), emphasizing that AC generators cause electrons to vibrate rather than move in a single direction. The inability to remove electrons from the circuit is a critical point, as it directly affects the functionality of electrical appliances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with the principles of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC)
  • Knowledge of voltage and electric pressure concepts
  • Basic comprehension of electron behavior in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic induction in generators
  • Learn about the differences between AC and DC power generation
  • Explore the concept of electric charge and its role in circuit functionality
  • Investigate the effects of circuit interruption on electrical appliances
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Electrical engineers, physics students, educators in electronics, and anyone interested in the fundamentals of electricity and its generation.

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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