What is Electricity Uses?
We constantly use electricity in our daily lives. It is one of the most important types of power and energy we use.
Electricity in our House
Electricity goes to our house via power lines from a large power plant somewhere far away. Your parents actually have to pay for the electricity they use. Have an electricity meter outside your home to monitor it. The longer the lights are on or the TV is on, the higher the utility bill will be.
When power enters our homes, it is sent through wires to wall outlets. We can plug all sorts of things into these sockets and use electricity. In our homes, we power our lights, air conditioners, televisions, ovens and more from electricity. Without it, we would be bored, hot and sitting in the dark.
Batteries
Some of the electricity comes from the battery. Batteries that use chemicals to store electricity can power devices such as cell phones, radio-controlled cars, portable video games, and flashlights. Batteries wear out after a while and need to be recharged or recycled. Remember to always recycle your batteries as they contain dangerous chemicals!
Other uses
Electricity is also used in cars. Has a large battery to help start the engine. Then the motor generates electricity for the radio, lights and other great features. Some cars run 100% on electricity with large batteries that charge from a wall outlet.
Electricity can also generate magnetism. This can be used to create powerful magnets as well as fast and quiet magnetic trains. The electric motor generates magnetism to rotate the motor and cause motion for all uses.
History
One of the first major uses of electricity was for communication by Morse code and the telegraph in 1840. This made it possible to send messages over long distances instantly. Then came the telephone, the radio, and in 1880 the electric light. These inventions and the use of electricity changed the world. Electricity continues to change the world with new inventions such as televisions and, more recently, personal computers and mobile phones.
Interesting facts about the Uses of Electricity
25% of the city of San Francisco’s energy is generated from wind power.
Electric eels use electricity to scare away enemies. They can produce a shock of about 500 volts.
Our bodies use electricity to communicate, including telling our hearts to keep beating.
Two famous scientists Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla once argued about which type of electricity we should use in our homes, AC or DC. Tesla won, and air conditioning is still in most homes today.
Electricity was first used in homes for lighting.