Problem
We all depend on electricity. Most electricity is created by electromagnetic generators at large power plants and distributed through an electric grid. The electric grid in the United States is interconnected and includes more than 400,000 miles of electric transmission lines. However, the grid has not been well maintained, and the number and severity of power outages has been rising over the past decade. Because the grid is interconnected, a severe power outage in one area can quickly spread to other areas. How long could you survive without electricity? What parts of your life would be affected by loss of electricity? Should you prepare for an electricity outage, and if so, how would you prepare? What backup system could your family or community install to generate limited amounts of electricity during an outage? How does this system make an electric force field and generate electric current?