Download Household Electricity - Petoskey High School

Household Electricity
Generating Electricity
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An electric generator converts a
mechanical power source into electricity
The United States used coal, methane,
biomass, and nuclear fuels for most
power plants
These plants heat water into steam
which then turns a turbine, which then
turns the generator
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The electricity created at a power plant
has high voltage.
This is why we have high voltage power
lines (on large metal towers)
This voltage is stepped down with
transformers until it is finally the 120
volts that enters your home
Alternative Energy
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All power plants described so far heat
water to turn the turbines and generate
electricity
Hydroelectric power plants use moving
water to turn the turbines
Wind generators use wind to turn the
propellers, which then turns the turbine
and generates electricity
Solar Energy
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Solar energy can be used in two methods to
generate electricity
The first method is to focus the light and heat
water, which turns a turbine like most other
power plants
Sunlight can also be used by photovoltaic
cells (solar cells) to directly convert light into
electricity
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This is what happens to in your solar calculator
Using Electricity
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Household use of electricity typically is in one
of three forms
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Motion – motors
Heat – ovens, toasters,
Light – lightbulbs
A meter on the side of the house measures
how much electricity you use so the power
company can send you a bill
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An electric bill measures and charges
based on kilowatt hours
A standard incandescent light bulb uses
100 watts; therefore, using it for 1 hour
will use .1kW hours
A local power company charges
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Energy charge @ $0.09735 per kWh
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The 100 watt light bulb uses 100 watts of
power (.9 amps and 110 volts)
Additional appliance info
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Heat pump or central air
15,000 watts
Water heater or clothes drier
4,000 watts
Water pump 3,000 watts
Space heater 1,500 watts
Hair dryer
1,200 watts
Electric range burner
1,000 watts
Refrigerator 1,000 watts
Computer and monitor
400 watts
Additional Sites and info
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How much coal is required to run a
100-watt light bulb 24 hours a day
for a year?
About Compact Fluorescent Light
Bulbs (CFL)
Why are my power bills so high?
Which appliances use the most
power?