Solar power is the conversion of the energy from the sun to usable electricity. The most common source of solar power utilizes photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells utilize a semi-conductor to absorb the radiation from the sun, when the semi-conductor absorbs this radiation it emits electrons,...
Electricity
How electricity is generated through coal
A coal power station turns the chemical energy in coal into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses. First the coal (1) is ground to a fine powder and blown into the boiler (2), where it is burned, converting its chemical energy into heat energy. Grinding...
How electricity is generated through gas
A gas power station turns the chemical energy in natural gas into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses. Natural gas (1) is pumped into the gas turbine (2), where it is mixed with air (3) and burned, converting its chemical energy into heat energy. As...
How electricity is generated through nuclear power
A nuclear power station turns the nuclear energy in uranium atoms into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses. The reactor vessel (1) is a tough steel capsule that houses the fuel rods – sealed metal cylinders containing pellets of uranium oxide. When a neutron –...
How electricity is generated through a marine turbine
A marine turbine converts the kinetic energy of tidal waters into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses. Marine turbines are installed on the seabed (1) near the shore, where tidal sea water will flow over the turbine rotor blades (2). To generate sufficient electricity, the blades...