This site will provide useful information for Geocachers participating in Josh's Electrical sources series of Geocaches.
Piezoelectric Effect
The second Geocache in the series of Josh's Electrical Sources caches is Joshs' Electrical Sources:
Piezoelectricity GC5DJ6V launched on 11/10/2014.
When a changing pressure is applied to certain crystals a voltage is developed across the crystal.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PIEZOELECTRICITY
Useful information about Piezoelectricity may be found here.
Electrochemical
The third Geocache in the series of Josh's Electrical Sources caches is Joshs' Electrical Sources:
Electrochemical GC5G4X8 launched on 2/10/2015.
When two dissimilar metals are in an ionic solution (Electrolyte) electrons will leave one metal and travel through a conductor to the other while chemical bonds break providing the energy.
Useful information about Electrochemical cells may be found here.
NOTE: This video provides some interesting background for the electrochemical cell that is to be used in Josh's Electrical Sources; Electrochemical Cells Geocache. However be sure to follow the directions found here.
If interested you could pick up an LED at RadioShack and perform these experiments at home.
Thermoelectric
The fourth Geocache in the series is: Thermoelectric GC5JGJE launched on 5/10/2015.
When two dissimilar metals (usually wires) form junctions which are at different temperatures a difference of electrical potential (Voltage) is developed in the wires. This voltage depends upon the types of metals and the difference in the temperatures. The higher the temperature difference the higher will be the generated voltage. Although the voltage is quite low it is very predictable which makes it very useful in temperature measurement. The principle can also be employed for electrical power generation when many components are connected together.
Useful information about Thermoelectric Effect can be found HERE
Photovoltaic
The fifth Geocache in the series is Photovoltaic GC5N5K1 launched on 8/15/2015.
When light strikes many materials electrons can be kicked out of the atoms making up the material by the kinetic energy of the particle of light called photons. Certain arrangements of special materials called semiconductors can collect these electrons and creating a voltage. This process is called the Photovoltaic Effect.
Useful information about Photovoltaic Effect can be found HERE
Electrostatic
The sixth and final Geocache in the series is Electrostatic Effect GC61PCX launched 11/10/ 2015
Materials are made of atoms that are normally electrically neutral because they contain equal numbers of positive charges (protons in their nuclei) and negative charges (electrons in "shells" surrounding the nucleus). The phenomenon of static electricity requires a separation of positive and negative charges. When two materials are in contact, electrons may move from one material to the other, which leaves an excess of positive charge on one material, and an equal negative charge on the other. When the materials are separated they retain this charge imbalance.
Useful information about Electrostatic Effect can be found HERE
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