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Electricity is what supplies the world with power, but people are unable to fathom the process as to how electricity was procured. Through this documentary, we gain an understanding of how electricity is generated by current which is referred to as the flow of electrons that flows in a specific direction. In the 1800’s the standard of electricity was developed by Thomas Edison which was direct current. In contrary to Edison, Nikola Tesla developed alternating current which he believed should be the standard of electricity. Their different propositions coincided and the battle about how the world should be powered came to be known as the “War of Currents”.
The “War of Current” involved two parties Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla who were innovative scientists who laid out the foundation for electricity. Thomas Edison made several inventions, one being the light bulb in 1870. By 1884, Tesla had moved to the United States to channel his idea of alternating current. As a believer in the direct current system, Edison believed alternating current would fail. From there, a feud started to form between two equally brilliant scientists—Edison vs. Tesla.
Based on the film “Edison vs. Tesla” showed the importance of the scientific concepts of direct current and alternating current which helps with the understanding of how the world is powered. In the field of physics direct current is the flow of electrons found in wires that can flow with voltage sourced from a battery. Direct current is created by battery sources and solar cells that flow through a wire (conductor) or diodes(semiconductors). To visualize direct current, it is a straight line in an oscilloscope. Alternating current is a scientific concept proposed by Nikolas Tesla where electrical charge periodically moves in alternating directions. To move and push the current there are volts (electromotive forces). Refers to the concept of electromagnetic induction which creates an electric current that spins magnets inside a coal. In alternating current, polarity is present from positive to negative.
With the two currents present, there are advantages and disadvantages for both currents. Back in the historical periods of the 1800s direct current was the standard of electricity. Based on the film, in the late 1870’s the light bulb was invented with the basis of direct current which propelled for the new system to be created. In today’s society, direct current is still utilized to power appliances with lower voltages like charging batteries and auto motors. However, there is a drawback for direct current as it is unable to be converted from high to low voltages. In terms of disadvantages, direct current is limited to short distances between the generator and consumer within a 1km radius. In a populous city, this is not good because a lot of places aren’t able to attain electrical power.
Alternating currents are more progressive because they utilize a transformer that can control volts. In the end, voltages could be lowered making it safer. With alternating current, electric motors could be built and it became more efficient for high-power appliances. Tesla had realized that electrical power had to be efficient about the distance. Contrary to direct current machines, it did not require brushes and commutators to operate. In that era, the alternating current’s high voltage was a cause of concern and could electrocute people. This is why a transformer is utilized and in the context of modern society, the film mentioned that 99% of electricity is generated and distributed by alternating currents.
The documentary film highly stresses the importance of both scientific concepts in the “War of Currents”. Because is more geared towards a historical film, the scientific concepts were not fully explained. However, it included great visuals that aid the audience’s understanding of the physics concepts. In terms of alternating current, we can get a visual understanding of how alternating current does not need the use of friction, commutators, and brushes in (23:20) where Tesla showed a model of a rotating magnetic field.
In another clip to showcase how AC could be boosted, in (25:46), there was a visual where it showed how alternating currents had traveled in waves with gaps in between peaks. One of the climaxes of the documentary film would be when Tesla had created 10 generators to power the Niagara Falls which was showcased in a way that could allow for easier understanding because there was a diagram that modeled it. The film needs to create a foundation of understanding for people who are unfamiliar with physics concepts.
The concept of direct current and electricity has generated jobs for many men which leads to a better overall economy. With a new field and industry that has been developed by Edison, many individuals can become employed which is an indirect effect of how direct current can further the economic status in the United States. In the context of alternating current, society can become more progressive and advanced due to its ability to power the world. The documentary explained how direct current was only able to be utilized within a half-mile radius but with alternating current it can travel much a larger distance. With electricity being more accessible to a mass number of people we can become more productive in the field of work. The ability to power water sources is essential for the health of citizens. For that reason, alternating current can further the quality of life for society as a whole.
The documentary film analysis projects the Current War in an enlightening way because are informed about alternating and direct current. People can understand the starting point of electricity and how it was able to revolutionize society and the economy. In terms of the current war, Tesla was the one who furthered the understanding of the current and Edison was the one who laid out the foundation but was unable to power Niagara Falls. The movie stressed how alternating current is the best way to power the world and is still utilized today. Alternating currents can power more high-voltage appliances and can be used at greater distances.
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