How electricity reaches computer (And why its needed)
Published: 2023-01-06 03:01:21

## How does electricity reach your computer?

_Electricity becomes usable by computers to operate systems and create the virtual world of information we observe when using computers and the internet through a series of processes that involve the generation, transmission, and conversion of electrical power._

1. <strong>Generation:</strong> Electricity is generated at power plants through a variety of methods, such as burning fossil fuels to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. The generator converts the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy, which is then sent through power lines to distribution centers.

2. <strong>Transmission:</strong> The electrical energy generated at power plants is transmitted over long distances through power lines, which carry the electricity at high voltages to reduce losses due to resistance. The voltage is then transformed to lower levels through transformers, which are used to step the voltage up or down as needed.

3. <strong>Conversion:</strong> Once the electricity reaches its destination, it is converted into a form that can be used by computers and other electronic devices. This is typically done through the use of power supplies, which convert the alternating current (AC) electricity supplied by the power grid into direct current (DC) electricity, which is needed by most electronic devices.

4. <strong>Distribution:</strong> The converted electricity is then distributed to the computers and other electronic devices through a network of wires and cables, which carry the electricity to the devices and provide a path for it to flow through the circuit board and other components of the device.

5. <strong>Use:</strong> The electricity is used by the computer to power the various components of the system, such as the processor, memory, storage, and input/output devices. It is also used to perform the various tasks and operations that the computer is capable of, such as processing data, displaying information on the screen, and communicating with other devices or servers over the internet.

Through these processes, electricity becomes usable by computers to operate systems.


## What do computers need electricity for anyhow?

_Computers use electricity to power and operate their various components, such as the processor, memory, storage, and peripherals. Here is a high-level overview of how computers use electricity:_

1. The computer's power supply unit (PSU) converts the alternating current (AC) electricity from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) electricity, which is used by the computer.
    
2. The DC electricity is used to power the computer's motherboard, which contains the processor, memory, and other components.
    
3. The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the "brain" of the computer. It executes instructions from software programs and performs tasks such as calculations and data processing. The processor requires a steady supply of electricity to function properly.
    
4. The computer's memory, or RAM, stores data that the processor needs to access quickly. When the processor needs to retrieve data from memory, it uses electricity to access the memory chips and read the data.
    
5. The computer's storage, such as a hard drive or solid state drive, stores long-term data and programs. When the processor needs to access data from storage, it uses electricity to access the storage device and retrieve the data.
    
6. The computer's peripherals, such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, also use electricity to function. The motherboard sends electricity to these devices to power them and allow them to communicate with the computer.
    

Overall, computers use electricity to power and operate their various components, which work together to perform tasks and execute software programs.

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