What is the standard definition for what an "electric source" is?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the definition and understanding of an "electric source," particularly in the context of how these sources provide potential difference necessary for current to flow in electric circuits. The scope includes theoretical explanations and practical examples of various types of electric sources.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe electric sources as devices that provide voltage and current, with examples including batteries, generators, and solar panels, each converting different types of energy into electrical energy.
  • One participant requests clarification on how solar cells and generators specifically provide potential difference.
  • Another participant mentions that solar cells are semiconductor devices and that the study of semiconductors is advanced, suggesting resources for further learning.
  • It is noted that spinning generators utilize electric and magnetic fields as described by Faraday's Law, which is also considered an advanced topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the classification of electric sources and their energy conversion roles, but there is no consensus on the detailed mechanisms of how solar cells and generators provide potential difference, as further explanations are requested.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to advanced topics such as semiconductor physics and Faraday's Law, indicating that a full understanding of the mechanisms behind electric sources may require additional study.

nineteen
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The syllabus states : "Explain that the potential difference which is needed to apply across any electric circuit to flow current is supplied by an electric source".

To explain this and make notes, I want to first understand what an electric source particularly is. And how all those electric sources out there provide with a potential difference for current to move.

Please help me out here.
 
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There are many types of sources. Each type has a different way to provide voltage and current. For example:

  1. A battery, based on chemical energy
  2. A generator, based on mechical energy
  3. A solar panel, based on light energy
All of those sources can be described as energy conversion devices, that convert one type of energy to electrial energy.
 
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anorlunda said:
There are many types of sources. Each type has a different way to provide voltage and current. For example:

  1. A battery, based on chemical energy
  2. A generator, based on mechical energy
  3. A solar panel, based on light energy
All of those sources can be described as energy conversion devices, that convert one type of energy to electrial energy.

If you don't mind can you explain how solar cells and generators provide that potential difference?
 
nineteen said:
If you don't mind can you explain how solar cells and generators provide that potential difference?
Solar cells are semiconductor devices. Study of semiconductors is a pretty advanced topic. You can get started here:
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner...game/environment-sustainability/v/solar-powerSpinning generators utilize electric and magnetic fields which are described by Faraday's Law. That is also an advanced topic. You can get started here:
https://www.khanacademy.org/science...law/v/faradays-law-for-generating-electricity

If those videos are too difficult, Khan Academy can suggest to you a course of study that will lead up to the understaning you need.
 
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anorlunda said:
Solar cells are semiconductor devices. Study of semiconductors is a pretty advanced topic. You can get started here:
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner...game/environment-sustainability/v/solar-powerSpinning generators utilize electric and magnetic fields which are described by Faraday's Law. That is also an advanced topic. You can get started here:
https://www.khanacademy.org/science...law/v/faradays-law-for-generating-electricity

If those videos are too difficult, Khan Academy can suggest to you a course of study that will lead up to the understaning you need.
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your help very much!
 
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