Elèctrics

Elèctrics is the branch of science and engineering that studies electricity, electromagnetism and the systems that generate, transmit, distribute and use electrical energy. It covers the science behind electrical phenomena as well as the technologies, devices and infrastructures that rely on electric power, including electrical engineering, electronics and instrumentation.

Electric power is produced from diverse sources such as fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear and renewables. Generating plants feed grids that transmit electricity at high voltages and distribute it to homes, businesses and industries. Core concepts include electrical circuits, voltage, current and resistance, along with Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws and the distinction between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Power equals voltage times current, and energy is commonly measured in kilowatt-hours.

Major subfields include power engineering, electronics, control systems and telecommunications. Key components range from conductors and insulators to transformers, generators, motors, diodes, transistors and integrated circuits. Modern elèctrics also emphasizes automation, sensing and safety, with protection schemes, fault management and standards for equipment and installation.

Applications span generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as consumer electronics, industrial automation, telecommunications and transportation such as electric vehicles and rails. Current directions in elèctrics focus on grid modernization, renewable integration, energy storage and the development of smart devices and systems.

History notes: practical electricity research began in the 18th and 19th centuries, leading to rapid electrification and the emergence of electrical engineering as a discipline. The later 20th century brought electronics and semiconductors that enabled modern computation and communication.