eli5, If electricity is moving electrons, does the generator get them back?

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So a generator is magnets and copper coil yeah? They make electricity and electricity is moving electrons. Power generators and electric stations are kilometres away. Do the copper coils get their electrons back?
Won’t the copper coil run out of electrons. How the electrons come back (if they do)?

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16 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

We don’t actually know the true underlying mechanism, not on a quantum level. To answer your question, no, the electrons aren’t moving the entire length of the circuit rapidly.

Think of it more like one of those Newton’s cradles, the energy is transmitted along a whole line of electrons, without having them move at high speeds.

My understanding is that eventually, an electron emitted will probably reach the source again, but I don’t know enough detail to be sure.

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