The hottest Electricity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

But good sir, what is electricity?

lcamtuf’s thing • 18977 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🔬 Science Electricity Physics Chemistry Electronics Materials
  1. Electricity is about how electrons interact with atoms. Electrons can move from one place to another, creating electric current in conductive materials like metals.
  2. Conductors, like metals, allow electrons to flow freely, while insulators hold onto their electrons tightly. This difference determines how well materials conduct electricity.
  3. The movement of electrons in a wire is what allows us to use electricity for various tasks. It can be quick, but individual electrons move slowly compared to the speed at which electrical signals travel.

What's the deal with magnetic fields?

lcamtuf’s thing • 4897 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🔬 Science Physics Electromagnetism Electricity Materials
  1. Electric fields are easy to understand because they involve the forces between charged particles, like how magnets attract or repel each other. This basic concept helps explain how electricity works in circuits.
  2. Magnetic fields can be confusing because they seem separate from electric fields, but they are connected through the concept of relativity. When things move, their distances and timings can change, affecting how we see electric and magnetic effects.
  3. Understanding that moving charges create magnetic fields helps simplify the whole idea. It's all about how motion changes our perspective on distance and forces between charges.

State-by-state electricity mixes and prices in the United States

Sustainability by numbers • 279 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Energy Electricity Policy Data
  1. There are interactive slide decks available that show how electricity sources and prices vary across different states in the US. This makes it easy for people to understand where their electricity comes from.
  2. The slide decks get updated with new data to reflect changes in energy policy and the electricity market over time. It's helpful for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends and figures.
  3. Users can freely explore the data on electricity mixes and prices without needing permission, promoting accessibility and awareness about energy consumption.

4.4.2 The Catt Question

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
🔬 Science Electromagnetism Electricity Physics Energy Engineering
  1. When a voltage is applied to a transmission line, it creates a net positive charge in the top wire and a net negative charge in the bottom wire. This happens as electrons move under the influence of the electric field set by the voltage.
  2. While it seems like charge must move quickly with the wavefront, it is actually the density of charges that changes. The actual movement of electrons is slow compared to the speed of light.
  3. Understanding how charges interact with electric fields helps explain electrical conductivity and related effects. Electromagnetic phenomena involve more than just moving charges; the interaction of fields and energy is also crucial.

The grid part II - the golden age of the power industry

Construction Physics • 11274 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
🔬 Science Electricity Industry Infrastructure Regulation Environmental Impact
  1. In the 1930s, federal projects like the Hoover Dam increased electrification and capacity, but growth slowed due to the Great Depression.
  2. Post-World War II saw the Golden Age of the electric power industry with massive growth in electricity generation, consumption, and industry assets.
  3. The end of the Golden Age came in the late 1960s due to factors like environmental concerns, technical challenges, and the 1973 energy crisis, leading to rising costs and stagnation.
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4.3 Actions at a Distance: Fluids or Fields?

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
🔬 Science Physics Electricity Technology Engineering Energy
  1. Electricity can't really be thought of as a fluid. It has unique properties that can't be explained by the fluid model, especially in AC systems.
  2. Capacitors and inductors operate using electric and magnetic fields rather than fluids. This makes it easier to understand how they work.
  3. Transformers also rely on these fields. Their functionality shows that electric effects can occur at a distance, which a fluid model fails to explain.

4.2.1 Ancient Views

Fields & Energy • 319 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🔬 Science Physics History Electricity Magnetism
  1. Ancient civilizations had early insights about magnets and electricity. For example, Thales discovered static electricity from amber and believed magnets had a 'soul' because they moved metal.
  2. The compass became crucial for navigation by the sixteenth century. Mariners relied on it heavily, and misdirecting a ship was seriously punished, reflecting the compass's importance.
  3. William Gilbert made significant contributions to the understanding of magnetism and electricity. He proposed that the Earth is like a giant magnet and identified various materials that produce electric effects.

4.2.2 Fluid Theories of Electricity

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🔬 Science Electricity Physics History Technology Chemistry
  1. Electricity was thought to behave like a fluid that could flow through conductors, which helped scientists understand how it could be transmitted over distances.
  2. Benjamin Franklin proposed a one-fluid theory of electricity, categorizing electricity into 'positive' and 'negative' charges, which laid the groundwork for future electrical theories.
  3. Alessandro Volta created the first battery, making it possible to study electricity as a continuous flow, leading to advancements in electrical science and technology.

4.2 Early Models of Electricity

Fields & Energy • 179 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🔬 Science Physics Electricity Electromagnetism Models History
  1. Electricity can be understood in two ways: as a fluid traveling through wires or as fields in the space around electric charges. This is still a big question in physics.
  2. Different cultures have unique approaches to explaining scientific concepts. For example, English physicists use hands-on models, while French scientists prefer abstract theories.
  3. Benjamin Franklin was key in shaping the idea that electricity is a single fluid. This foundational concept helps us still today in understanding electricity and electronics.

"On Action At a Distance"

Fields & Energy • 219 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🔬 Science Physics Research Mathematics Electricity Magnetism
  1. There are debates about how forces act over distances. Some people think there's a hidden connection, while others believe that objects can directly affect each other without any medium.
  2. Here’s a fun example: when you ring a bell using a wire, the movement happens gradually, showing that actions often involve a series of connections, not just instant forces.
  3. Scientists like Faraday introduced the idea of 'lines of force' to visualize these actions. Instead of just thinking about pushes and pulls, we can now understand force as stretching and pressing through a medium.

Let the sunshine in

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Agriculture Electricity Land use Environmental Policy
  1. Solar farms in New York State have helped increase farmland prices by 18% from 2015 to 2021. This shows that renewable energy can positively affect local economies.
  2. Farmland close to electric substations saw the most price increases. Locations far from the grid didn't benefit as much, making it more challenging for solar developers.
  3. Higher local electricity prices led to even greater appreciation in land values. Proper planning for renewable energy can improve lives and reduce electricity costs.

476: Boring Success, Microsoft CapEx, LVMH, Nvidia, Data Center Electricity, Spotify & Joe Rogan, Tesla Model 3 Refresh, and Dragon Prince

Liberty’s Highlights • 412 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Podcasts Data Centers Electricity AI Streaming
  1. Compete in life with kindness, creativity, and resilience, not just success.
  2. Success in one area can enable you to take risks and be more adventurous in other aspects of life.
  3. Electricity consumption from data centers, AI, and crypto is expected to double by 2026, impacting energy needs significantly.

3.3 Potentials, Energy, & Fields

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Theory Electricity Energy
  1. There's a debate in science about how we understand forces, like whether they act at a distance or through fields in space. Two main theories exist: one says forces happen instantly, while the other suggests they spread out gradually.
  2. George Green, a self-taught baker turned mathematician, made important contributions to the math behind electromagnetism. His work, which included ideas about electric potential and field theory, changed how we study these forces.
  3. Fields and potentials are two simple ways to describe how electricity and magnetism work. They help us understand how energy moves and behaves in different situations, like around charges or between capacitor plates.

The Breakthrough in Fusion We've All Been Waiting For

Gordian Knot News • 190 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🔬 Science Fusion Engineering Electricity
  1. 90 odd power plants in the country are n-U fusion reactors, creating electricity with an engineering gain of about 18.
  2. Operators of these fusion plants are advised to apply for a Section 30 license from the NRC quickly or contact their state regulatory agency if in an Agreement State.
  3. The breakthrough in fusion we've been waiting for involves the significant engineering gains of n-U fusion reactors, surpassing other fusion concepts in terms of proven efficiency.

Foundations of Physical Theory: Function of Models

Fields & Energy • 3 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🔬 Science Physics Mathematics Models Theory Electricity Magnetism
  1. Models in physics help us understand complex ideas by simplifying them into more relatable forms. They allow us to reason about things we can't observe directly.
  2. It's important to consider the medium through which forces act, rather than just thinking of actions at a distance. This helps explain phenomena like electricity and magnetism more clearly.
  3. Using analogies can be helpful in learning new concepts, but we must be careful not to confuse them with the actual properties of the things we are studying.

The world has enough minerals for low-carbon electricity

Sustainability by numbers • 178 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Minerals Electricity Greenhouse Gases Supply Chains Renewable Energy
  1. There are enough minerals for low-carbon electricity systems, but issues may arise with mine construction and geopolitical risks.
  2. Most materials needed for decarbonization are available, with demand being a small fraction of global reserves for the majority of minerals.
  3. Building low-carbon electricity infrastructure will require some increase in global production, but the embedded carbon emissions are relatively low compared to using fossil fuels.

What We Can Know About This Winter

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legal Climate Electricity Weather
  1. Government shutdowns are looming as the GOP hardliners are pushing for their own agenda, potentially leading to legislative hurdles.
  2. Trump's legal battles might significantly impact his future, with his civil fraud case being a key factor to watch out for.
  3. The winter forecast indicates a snowier season, which could pose challenges to the power grid, so it's important to be prepared.

What do Americans use electricity for?

Sustainability by numbers • 75 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🔬 Science Energy Electricity Renewable Energy Data Analysis
  1. American households primarily use electricity for heating, cooling, and controlling humidity.
  2. Future challenges in energy demand will revolve around balancing supply and demand, particularly for temperature control like heating and cooling.
  3. Electricity consumption is dominated by heating, cooling, and humidity control in households, highlighting the importance of efficient solutions in this area.

Regulation's Role in Stifling Innovation

Knowledge Problem • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Regulation Innovation Electricity Economics Technological Change
  1. Regulation based on cost recovery stifles innovation by not focusing on value creation
  2. Traditional economic regulation in the electricity industry is static and not adaptive to dynamic environments
  3. Regulatory institutions need to evolve towards promoting competition and consumer information for innovation and value creation

Free Electricity Out Of The Air! Did Nikola Tesla Have It Right All Along?

Resiliency Tech • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🔬 Science Inventions Electricity Energy Research History
  1. Nikola Tesla is revered for his inventions and experiments with harnessing electricity from the air.
  2. Scientists are now exploring hygroelectricity, generating electricity from humidity in the air using nanotubes.
  3. Projects like CATCHER aim to commercialize the concept of hygroelectricity, which could potentially exceed Europe's power requirements by 500 times.

Electric Mushrooms and the Circuitry that Loves Them

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jun 22
🔬 Science Electricity Instruments History Biology
  1. A synthesizer transforms electricity into sound, similar to how a bassoon uses airflow to create music. The path electricity takes in a synthesizer is altered by manipulating the components and circuits.
  2. Electricity is everywhere, and the manipulation of electrical signals is crucial in creating music with synthesizers. Understanding circuits and modules in a synthesizer helps control the direction of electric pulses.
  3. Living things, like mushrooms, emit electrical signals that can be harnessed and interpreted by synthesizers. Electric currents from organisms can be used as control signals, influencing the flow and shape of generated waves.

Electricity

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🔬 Science Electricity Transformers
  1. Generators produce electricity when a wire is present within a magnetic field, requiring movement or change for electrical output.
  2. Transformers modify AC by increasing or decreasing voltage and amperage without moving parts, crucial for transmitting energy efficiently.
  3. Capacitors store electrical charge and can act as filters, allowing the passage of AC while blocking DC, useful for various applications like frequency filtering.

Magnets

Barn Lab • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🔬 Science Physics Materials Engineering Electricity Magnetism
  1. Magnets have two poles: north and south, which attract or repel each other.
  2. Magnetism in materials comes from aligned electron spins creating a magnetic field.
  3. Electricity flowing through conductive materials generates a magnetic field, essential for building motors and generators.