MSN Encarta defines it as :
electricity (noun) - energy created by moving charged particles: a fundamental form of kinetic or potential energy created by the free or controlled movement of charged particles such as electrons, positrons, and ions
In the 17-1800's, the fathers of modern electrical engineering believed there was a thing called the Aether. It was the assumption at the time that everything including the vacuum was permeated by cosmic energy in vast amounts. It was thought that one could neither create nor destroy energy, and even Einstien incorporated it into his E=MC2 equation (recently disproved). Today we call the "Aether field", Zero Point Energy, and I believe it behaves in a similar manner as wind which affects the particle-spin of the electrons, producing a magnetic field which dictates the boundaries of the flow. This would account for the necessity of electrons to exist in 2 states: quiescent, and active. What do you think?
2006-12-12 08:29:52 · 6 answers · asked by Jimmy S 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It is either:
1) a flow of electrons, or
2) a magic substance similar to fire that does wondrous and strange things.
2006-12-12 08:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flow of electrons from a cathode to an anode. The cathode being a source of electrons and the anode being receptive to a negative charge. The rate at which the electrons flow is "emf", electromotive force, also measured as voltage. The resistance to the flow of electrons in a conductor is measured in ohms. The electrons can be produced and forced to flow by mechanical or chemical means.
2006-12-12 08:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by fish38474 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if anyone "knows" what electricity is.. we can see what it does, we know how to make it and use it or misuse it. We know how to control it within limits, but I don't think anyone does really know what it "is".
We generally describe it as "the movement of electrons along a conductor."
Maybe others can shed more light on the subject...I went to the old schools on electricity...
2006-12-12 08:36:55 · answer #3 · answered by pinelake302 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello!
You ask a question and then answer it.
I believe every thing is in a state of motion. With out motion there would not be any thing or any life. Electricity is just another form of life. It's not intelligent life like us but with out it we would not be alive. Our body and brain runs on electricity. It's one of those mysteries that know one really knows. We know a little about it all and you have already stated those facts. So my answer is that elasticity is just another form of life.
2006-12-12 08:37:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they have it right but the definition is too confusing
think of it as atoms passing along electrons
tiny tiny charges for one atom, a bunch combined and you get lightning or 220V AC or whatever
2006-12-12 08:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electromagnetic flow of electrons.
2006-12-12 08:32:00 · answer #6 · answered by John C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋