Electrical systems Definition and 12 Threads

Electricity is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter that has a property of electric charge. Electricity is related to magnetism, both being part of the phenomenon of electromagnetism, as described by Maxwell's equations. Various common phenomena are related to electricity, including lightning, static electricity, electric heating, electric discharges and many others.
The presence of an electric charge, which can be either positive or negative, produces an electric field. The movement of electric charges is an electric current and produces a magnetic field.
When a charge is placed in a location with a non-zero electric field, a force will act on it. The magnitude of this force is given by Coulomb's law. If the charge moves, the electric field would be doing work on the electric charge. Thus we can speak of electric potential at a certain point in space, which is equal to the work done by an external agent in carrying a unit of positive charge from an arbitrarily chosen reference point to that point without any acceleration and is typically measured in volts.
Electricity is at the heart of many modern technologies, being used for:

Electric power where electric current is used to energise equipment;
Electronics which deals with electrical circuits that involve active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies.Electrical phenomena have been studied since antiquity, though progress in theoretical understanding remained slow until the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The theory of electromagnetism was developed in the 19th century, and by the end of that century electricity was being put to industrial and residential use by electrical engineers. The rapid expansion in electrical technology at this time transformed industry and society, becoming a driving force for the Second Industrial Revolution. Electricity's extraordinary versatility means it can be put to an almost limitless set of applications which include transport, heating, lighting, communications, and computation. Electrical power is now the backbone of modern industrial society.

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  1. J

    Insulation monitoring in some marine isolated electrical systems

    Hi, In some marine isolated electrical systems I saw that only one phase insulation resistace is monitored. Why? If something happens on other phases I will have no information about that or...? Regards!
  2. cnh1995

    How Does Earthing Work in Electrical Systems?

    I have a few questions about earthing in electrical systems. 1) How can Earth be used as a "conductor"? I googled its resistance and it turns out that Earth resistance is not that large and it can be reliably used as a conductor. For example, I read it can be used as a return conductor in single...
  3. ltkach2015

    Homogenous Solution Represents the Transient Response Right?

    CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS: -Does the Homogenous Solution represent the Transient Response? Let me specify. For a N-DOF spring, mass, and damper mechanical system: -Does the Homogenous Solution represent the Transient Response for given mechanical system? MY ANSWER: Yes. ASSUMPTIONS: -only...
  4. N

    Understanding Household Electrical Service Lines and Safety Precautions

    Pardon me if I stated the title incorrectly/ informally. I just want to say about the title is about the 220 V, 60 Hz source (present in our outlets also) in our house by which comes from nearby electrical post. I have four questions in this post/thread so kindly tell me if I need to edit this...
  5. M

    Electrical Systems Modeling (finding current and voltage drops)

    Homework Statement Hello! I've been really unsure of whether my solutions to the first problem and part (b) of the second are right. My book gives few examples and so I've been trying to look on other websites for resources. Sorry if this is a lot, but any and all help would be appreciated...
  6. M

    Governing Equation for an electrical system

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Kirchoff's Voltage/Current Law The Attempt at a Solution I first started by summing up the currents at node 1, which is the intersection of 3 wires at the top, and node 2, which is between the capacitor and inductor. So, at node 1: $$ \sum i = -i(t) +...
  7. P

    References for design of electrical systems for buildings

    Hi everyone! Design of electrical systems for buildings is the field I want to engage in the future. I have already basic concepts learned about this. But I want to improve myself in this field. I am looking for a reliable and organized reference. Please help me choose the book/reference I...
  8. F

    Understanding Chassis Ground in Car Electrical Systems

    I was just wondering about chassis ground in the context of a cars electrical system. If the return path back to the battery is through the metal chassis of the car, then what stops you from receiving a shock when you touch the car chassis ? Thanks.
  9. D

    Electrical Systems questions (wind turbines)

    Hi, I am currently working on a year placement between my 2nd and 3rd years at university. I'm working at RWENpower in swindon, UK and goto Coventry University in the Midlands. I have a couple of questions about the industry and certain technical issues. 1. I am currently looking at...
  10. R

    Uses of various components in electrical systems

    Homework Statement To state the uses of Capacitors, Resistors and Diodes in Laptop computers, Midi sound systems and Ipods Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've looked around on the internet and tried a good few books but I can't find the specific information. I've...
  11. D

    Gamma rays and electrical systems

    Wasn't quite sure where to post this considering it talks about 2 subjects, but i guess this is a good place to start. My question is: How [if at all] can high energy EM waves affect electronic systems? More specifically gamma rays. I am by no means an electro-physicist, cosmic radiation is...
  12. S

    Understanding DC current in automobile electrical systems

    Ok so yesterday, I had to jump start my chevy blazer because I left the dome light on and the battery went dead. once it started, I let it run at high rpms for 8-10 minutes to semi charge the battery before I left. I know it was charging, because my alternator gauge was reading 16, and a fully...
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