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

[nineteen]

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.

 

[anorlunda]

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.

 

[nineteen]

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?

 

[anorlunda]

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.

 

[nineteen]

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!