How is electricity made?

Magnets

We can use magnets to make electricity. A magnetic field can pull and push electrons to make them move. Some metals like copper have electrons that are loosely held and are therefore easily moved.

Magnetism and electricity are closely related, electricity can make magnetism and so magnetism can make electricity. Magnetism and electricity are usually linked together. This is called electromagnetism.

Magnets in power plants

This simple principle is used in power plants where they use huge magnets to generate electricity. In a generator a big coil of copper wire spins inside magnets, as it spins, the magnetic fields push and pull electrons in the wire.

The electrons in the copper wire flow into the power lines and these moving electrons are the electricity that powers our houses.