what is electrical energy in physics

what is electrical energy in physics

1 year ago 62
Nature

Electrical energy is a form of energy that results from the movement of charged particles, such as electrons. It is the energy derived from electric potential energy or kinetic energy of the charged particles. Electrical energy can be due to either kinetic energy or potential energy, but mostly it is due to potential energy, which is energy stored due to the relative positions of charged particles or electric fields. Electrical energy is usually measured in joules (J), kilowatt-hours (kWh), or electron-volts (eV) .

Electricity is most often generated at a power station by converting other forms of energy, such as chemical energy, nuclear energy, or mechanical energy, into electrical energy. Electrical energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat, light, motion, sound, and radio waves. For example, electric heating uses electrical resistance to convert electrical energy into heat.

In an electric circuit, electrical energy is continuously converted into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy, when a current flows in a conductor. The electrical field, supplied by the voltage source, accelerates the free electrons, increasing their kinetic energy for a short time. This increased kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy through collisions with the ions of the lattice structure of the conductor.

Some examples of electrical energy include lightning, batteries, electric eels, and electric trains. Lightning is an example of electrical energy in action, where the energy is caused by moving electric charges called electrons. Electric trains use electricity to power electric motors, driving their wheels and providing movement.

In summary, electrical energy is the energy derived from electric potential energy or kinetic energy of the charged particles, and it can be converted into other forms of energy. It is an important concept in physics and is used in many applications, from powering electric trains to heating homes.

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