Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight, with the amount of electricity produced depending on the intensity of the sunlight.
Why are LED lamps preferred to conventional lights for saving electricity?
LED lamps consume less power than conventional lighting systems while producing the same amount of light. So, the use of LEDs can significantly save electric energy consumption.
How does electricity generation contribute to pollution?
Electricity generation through the burning coal, petroleum, and natural gases produces gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, etc., which increases the pollution level of the environment.
Give an example of a natural phenomenon that produces electricity.
A natural phenomenon like lightning during thunderstorms demonstrates the discharge of static electricity generated within the clouds.
What is Electricity? - Check Types and Facts
Electricity is the energy used to power various systems and technology devices that greatly impact daily life and activities. Learn its types, uses, advantages, and future trends
Shivam Singh28 Jul, 2025
Electricity is an important science concept but beyond that, it is connected to every aspect of our everyday lives. From using the geyser for a hot morning bath to switching on the bedside lamp at night, electricity remains the companion that supports us in every way.
Understanding how electricity works and the many uses of electricity helps us appreciate its utility and use it more responsibly. This blog introduces you to electricity concepts from sources to applications to keep you better informed while relating it to real-life experiences.
Electricity is a form of energy used to power various devices and machines in residential, commercial, and industrial setups. To explain scientifically, it is an effect of the movement of electric charge. Electricity flows through specific types of materials called conductors.
The flow of electricity through these mediums is called an electric current. At the structural level, all matter comprises atoms, which contain negatively charged electrons. When these electrons move from one atom to another, they create a flow of electric charge, which we recognize as electricity.
How Does Electricity Work?
A closed path is required for the flow of electricity from one point to another, and when a device is connected to this path or the electric circuit, it is powered by the electric current. A switch is used to open or close the electric circuit and regulate the flow of as required.
The electricity is supplied through a power source connected to a power station that generates electricity. It is transmitted through a network of power lines and distributed to homes and industries.
Types of Electricity
There are two main types of electricity, depending on how it is generated and its purpose.
Static Electricity
Static Electricity is the buildup of electrical charges on the surface of a material. It usually happens due to friction or contact between different materials. A common example of static electricity is when you rub a balloon on your hair that sticks on the wall or walk across a carpet and get a mild shock when you touch a doorknob.
Characteristics of Static Electricity:
It does not flow continuously.
It is temporary and discharges quickly.
It is common in dry weather or with insulating materials.
Current Electricity
Current Electricity is the form of electricity that moves through conductors, especially electric wires. It can be of two types, as explained below.
Direct Current (DC)
In direct current, the flow of electrons happens in only one direction. Batteries and solar panels usually produce DC electricity.
Alternating Current (AC)
An alternating current is generated due to the movement of an electric charge that changes direction periodically. The electricity supply to our homes and industries is AC because it is more efficient for long-distance transmission.
Electricity is generated on a large scale in power plants to cater to the needs of modern livelihood and industrial operations. Electricity is produced by generators using the principle of electromagnetism. The power plant uses various sources to drive huge machines called generators or turbines that produce this energy.
Depending on the sources, electricity generation can be classified into the following groups:
Thermal Power Plants: It uses coal or natural gas to produce steam that drives the generators.
Hydropower Plants: It uses the huge force of flowing water to make the turbines move.
Wind Turbines: Wind energy is used to drive the machines for electricity generation.
Solar Power: Solar power uses specially designed solar panels that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Nuclear Power Plants: A special electricity generation system that uses nuclear reactions.
Biomass and Geothermal Sources: A cost-effective and localized electricity production using organic and underground heat sources.
Advantages of Electricity
Electricity has become an integral part of modern life and offers countless benefits. Here are some of its main advantages:
Convenience and Comfort
Electricity runs numerous devices and apparatus we use daily, such as lights, fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, televisions, music systems, etc. to provide us convenience, comfort, and entertainment.
Supports Technological Advancement
Modern technology devices run on electricity, including computers and other sophisticated instruments and equipment. It helps with easy communication, automation, and transportation.
Industrial and Economic Development
Factories and manufacturing units produce large-scale goods using machines powered by electricity. It helps in efficient and consistent production with less dependence on manual labour.
Improved Healthcare
Hospitals and medical units use electrically operated equipment and diagnostic tools, improving healthcare services' quality and efficiency.
Educational Advancement
Schools and colleges use electricity for lighting, digital classrooms, computers, and laboratory equipment, making learning more effective and accessible.
Uses of Electricity
Electricity is embedded in our lives in such a way that life would come to a standstill without it. Let's find out how electricity has been applied in various fields:
In Engineering
Electricity is used in many engineering applications for assembling, manufacturing, installing, repairing, and moving materials. It provides significant infrastructure support in many engineering projects.
In Agriculture
Electricity helps to run water pumps for irrigation, maintain temperature for greenhouse systems, and power the processing machines and storage facilities for crops, vegetables, and dairy products.
In Transportation
Electric trains, buses, and cars offer advanced, efficient, eco-friendly transportation solutions. Charging stations and signal systems also operate through electrical power.
In Communication
Present-day communication systems and devices, including mobile phones, televisions, and the Internet, use electrical power to function properly. Communication networks rely on electrical systems for data capture, tracking, and transmission.
The resources used for electricity generation can be classified into two categories as follows:
Renewable Sources
These natural sources are available in abundant quantities, which are inexhaustible and can be replenished even after regular use. That's why they are called renewable sources. These energy sources are:
Solar Energy
Wind Energy
Hydropower
Geothermal Energy
These sources are sustainable and also eco-friendly. They are becoming increasingly popular because of their minimal environmental impact.
Non-Renewable Sources
These are available on earth in finite amounts and keep reducing as they are used as fuel for electricity production and other purposes. So, they are non-renewable, and we must restrict their indiscriminate use. Some of these sources are:
Coal
Oil
Natural Gas
Why Saving Electricity is Important?
Electricity greatly influences modern living standards, and a shortage of electric power will severely impact a country's progress. Since energy generation today is greatly dependent on non-renewable resources, which are gradually diminishing, it's essential to control electricity consumption to reduce its demand and the need for more production. It not only conserves natural resources but also reduces environmental pollution.
Future of Electricity
The future of electricity should focus on generating cleaner and greener energy without impacting the environment. As the demand for electricity keeps increasing, it's necessary to shift toward non-renewable sources with innovative methods like solar rooftops, wireless charging, and electric vehicles.
There might be a shift from large, centralized power plants to smaller and distributed energy production systems with homes and industries generating electricity according to their requirements. Using energy-efficient appliances and smart building construction techniques, we could improve energy efficiency and reduce associated costs.
Electricity is a powerful source that drives modern life toward better efficiency, comfort, and convenience. It has become a basic need in the civilized world, from powering lights and fans in our homes to running complex machinery in industries. Learning about electricity can help us make informed decisions regarding its use and conservation as we look for more sustainable and smart energy solutions.
Make Science Learning Fun and Meaningful with CuriousJr's Online Classes
Science can feel complex for many young learners, especially when you rely too much on memorization, rather than understanding concepts. Students often lose interest and fail to develop an in-depth knowledge without interactive learning. CuriousJr solves this problem with its Live Online Classes for students from Classes 3 to 9, focusing on building strong conceptual clarity.
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CuriousJr Science online classes for kids aim to transform science into a more relatable, exciting, and engaging subject. Book a demo class today and help your child explore the science facts with better focus, confidence, and creativity.
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