Sources of Electricity

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In order to answer the question what is electricity, first we must start off with talking about an atom. An atom is made up of protons neutrons, and electrons. The protons (positive charge) and neutrons (neutral charge) form the nucleus, while the electrons (negative charge) orbit around the nucleus. The atom is considered balanced if the protons and electrons are the same. But, if the atom loses or gains an electron it becomes an unbalanced atom. Losing electrons makes the atom have a positive charge because there are more positively charged protons than electrons. Gaining electrons make the atom have a negative charge because there are more negatively charged electrons than protons. Since there is a missing electron, either the electron that was lost looks for another atom with a missing electron to join or the atom with the missing atom will look for a lone electron to pair join to it. The transfer of electrons is what causes electricity. When the electrons move from one atom to another they create a flow or current of electricity. Scientists are able to purposely make atoms lose their electrons, so that they make electricity. (www.energyquest.ca.gov)
There are many different sources to create electricity. Some better than others for various reasons but all the major ways to make electricity are nuclear fission, nuclear fusion , solar panels, oil, coal, wind windmills, tidal energy, biomass, natural gas, geothermal, man/animal power, hydro-electric, magnetic, and fuel cell. Nuclear fission involves taking a Uranium atom and splitting the nucleus in half, which then creates a lot of power. (www.energyquest.ca.gov)
Pros
• Doesn’t require much fuel to do
• Creates very large amounts of energy
• No air pollution
• Uranium can be found anywhere
• We are not going to run out anytime soon
• Cheap to operate
Cons
• Making the power plants is

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