Difference between revisions of "Electricity"
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− | *Date: [ | + | *Date: [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Century 1646] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1 a : a [[fundamental]] [[form]] of [[energy]] [[observable]] in positive and negative [[forms]] that occurs [[naturally]] (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is [[expressed]] in terms of the [[Motion|movement]] and [[interaction]] of [[electrons]] | *1 a : a [[fundamental]] [[form]] of [[energy]] [[observable]] in positive and negative [[forms]] that occurs [[naturally]] (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is [[expressed]] in terms of the [[Motion|movement]] and [[interaction]] of [[electrons]] | ||
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*3 : keen contagious excitement <could feel the electricity in the room> | *3 : keen contagious excitement <could feel the electricity in the room> | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | '''Electricity''' (from the New Latin ēlectricus, "amber-like"[a]) is a general term that [[encompasses]] a variety of [[phenomena]] resulting from the [[presence]] and [[flow]] of [ | + | '''Electricity''' (from the New Latin ēlectricus, "amber-like"[a]) is a general term that [[encompasses]] a variety of [[phenomena]] resulting from the [[presence]] and [[flow]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge electric charge]. These include many easily recognizable [[phenomena]], such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning lightning] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity static electricity], but in addition, less familiar [[concepts]], such as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_field electromagnetic field] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_induction electromagnetic induction]. |
In general usage, the word "electricity" is adequate to refer to a [[number]] of [[physical]] [[effects]]. In scientific usage, however, the term is vague, and these related, but distinct, [[concepts]] are better identified by more precise terms: | In general usage, the word "electricity" is adequate to refer to a [[number]] of [[physical]] [[effects]]. In scientific usage, however, the term is vague, and these related, but distinct, [[concepts]] are better identified by more precise terms: | ||
− | * [ | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge Electric charge] – a property of some subatomic [[particles]], which determines their electromagnetic [[interactions]]. Electrically charged [[matter]] is [[influenced]] by, and produces, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_field electromagnetic fields]. |
− | * [ | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_current Electric current] – a movement or [[flow]] of electrically charged [[particles]], typically measured in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere amperes]. |
− | * [ | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_field Electric field] – an [[influence]] produced by an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge electric charge] on other charges in its vicinity. |
− | * [ | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_potential Electric potential] – the [[capacity]] of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_field electric field] to do [[work]] on an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge electric charge], typically measured in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volt volts]. |
− | * [ | + | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetism Electromagnetism] – a fundamental [[interaction]] between the [[magnetic]] field and the [[presence]] and [[motion]] of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_charge electric charge]. |
− | Electrical [[phenomena]] have been [[studied]] since antiquity, though advances in the [[science]] were not made until the [ | + | Electrical [[phenomena]] have been [[studied]] since antiquity, though advances in the [[science]] were not made until the [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Century seventeenth] and [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/18th_Century eighteenth centuries]. Practical [[applications]] for electricity however remained few, and it would not be until the late [https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_Century nineteenth century] that engineers were able to put it to industrial and residential use. The rapid expansion in electrical technology at this time transformed industry and society. Electricity's extraordinary [[versatility]] as a [[source]] of [[energy]] means it can be put to an almost limitless set of [[applications]] which include transport, heating, lighting, [[communications]], and [[computation]]. The backbone of modern industrial [[society]] is, and for the foreseeable [[future]] can be expected to remain, the use of electrical [[power]].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity] |
[[Category: Physics]] | [[Category: Physics]] |
Latest revision as of 00:52, 13 December 2020
- Date: 1646
Definitions
- 1 a : a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons
- b : electric current or power
- 2 : a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity
- 3 : keen contagious excitement <could feel the electricity in the room>
Description
Electricity (from the New Latin ēlectricus, "amber-like"[a]) is a general term that encompasses a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning and static electricity, but in addition, less familiar concepts, such as the electromagnetic field and electromagnetic induction.
In general usage, the word "electricity" is adequate to refer to a number of physical effects. In scientific usage, however, the term is vague, and these related, but distinct, concepts are better identified by more precise terms:
- Electric charge – a property of some subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interactions. Electrically charged matter is influenced by, and produces, electromagnetic fields.
- Electric current – a movement or flow of electrically charged particles, typically measured in amperes.
- Electric field – an influence produced by an electric charge on other charges in its vicinity.
- Electric potential – the capacity of an electric field to do work on an electric charge, typically measured in volts.
- Electromagnetism – a fundamental interaction between the magnetic field and the presence and motion of an electric charge.
Electrical phenomena have been studied since antiquity, though advances in the science were not made until the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Practical applications for electricity however remained few, and it would not be until the late nineteenth century that engineers were able to put it to industrial and residential use. The rapid expansion in electrical technology at this time transformed industry and society. Electricity's extraordinary versatility as a source of energy means it can be put to an almost limitless set of applications which include transport, heating, lighting, communications, and computation. The backbone of modern industrial society is, and for the foreseeable future can be expected to remain, the use of electrical power.[1]