electric

Electric, in scientific and common usage, relates to electricity and the technologies that generate, distribute, and use electrical energy. Electricity itself is a form of energy arising from electric charges and their interactions, with properties such as current, voltage, resistance, and electromagnetic effects. The term can describe phenomena, materials used to conduct or store electricity, and devices powered by electrical energy.

In electrical theory, charge comes in positive and negative forms. An electric current is the flow of charges through a conductor, driven by a potential difference known as voltage. Resistance impedes flow, and Ohm's law relates these quantities. Electrical power is the product of voltage and current, or the square of current times resistance.

Historically, knowledge of static electricity and electrical effects progressed from ancient observations to early experiments. The invention of electric batteries by Alessandro Volta, the development of electrical machines, and the discovery of electromagnetism by Faraday and others laid the foundation for modern electric power systems and lighting in the late 19th century.

Today, electricity is produced from diverse sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind. Generated electricity is transmitted at high voltages over long distances and stepped down for safe distribution to homes and businesses. The electric grid integrates generation, transmission, and distribution, with ongoing advances in efficiency, smart grids, and storage.

Common uses include lighting, heating, motive power, and a wide range of electronic devices and communication systems. Safety concerns emphasize proper insulation, grounding, overcurrent protection, and fault isolation. The environmental impact depends on energy sources, with growing emphasis on renewables and energy efficiency.