Electricity

**Electricity** is the movement of an electrical charge.

## History

Although ways of turning magic into electricity have always existed (usually by hitting a metal with magic), it was historically impossible to have a constant current of electricity without constantly casting a spell.

The invention of the dynamo, which allows turning movement into electricity, allowed for reliable magicless production of electricity and caused an explosion in the research and use of this phenomenon.

Initially, the main practical use was street lighting via arc lamps, and the first power plants were built for this use.

The invention of alternating current and three phase power improved the distribution of electricity over long distances and allowed for the creation of the first wide-spanning electric networks. This led to the first standardization of electrical power to ensure interoperability between networks.

## Production

While electricity can be produced from batteries for a short while or from magic in bursts, consistent electricity production uses the turning movement from a mill, a turbine or an engine to crank a dynamo.

## Distribution

Electricity is produced at a standard period of a third (a sixtieth of a second) and converted to a tension of 3600 B for transport over large distances.

At the point of domestic consumption, it is transformed down to a tension of 60 B.

## Applications

### Industry

Historically, machinery could only be set up at the source of mechanical power such as a river. The invention of the steam engine first allowed machinery to be set up wherever as it could create its own mechanical power.

The creation of electrical networks makes this even more convenient as it allows the transmission of mechanical power over long distances by means of a power plant and an electrical engine, bypassing the need for coal entirely and improving the health of workers as coal burning isn't required.

### Metallurgy

Electroplating has risen as an application of electricity in the metallurgical and jewelry industries. This application lead to the creation of the standard unit of charge, the silver deposition.

### Transport

As ways to supply electricity to a moving train have been developed, electric trains have imposed themselves as a healthier alternative to steam trains in heavily populated and electrified areas. In cities with developing infrastructure, electric trams have become a rival to cable cars.

### Lighting

Street lighting with arc lamps was the first major application of electricity. The invention of the safer incandescent lightbulb further increased the popularity of this application and brought lighting indoors. Nowadays, electric lighting is a common feature of any city.

### Communication

Electricity is used in telegraphy and radio.

### Medicine

Electricity has gained use in medicine for the cauterization of wounds.

It's unclear whether this practice has any improvements or drawbacks compared to heat magic, although Qilin surgeon unions argue that it doesn't do anything that heat magic can't.

It is however generally agreed that it is more convenient than using tools heated by combustion, and a good alternative where surgeons don't possess magic capabilities.