Everything around us is made of tiny particles called atoms. In the center of an atom is its nucleus. Smaller particles called electrons orbit the nucleus. When the negatively charged electrons move between atoms, this creates electricity.

Most of the electricity we use in our homes and businesses comes from power plants. Power plants use various energy sources to spin large turbines, which in turn spin electromagnets with heavy copper wire surrounding them. The electromagnets’ motion forces the electrons in the wire to jump between atoms, causing electricity to flow through the wire.