Light Years Ahead

(continued, page 4) (continued, page 2) Ask the average person where electricity comes from, and he or she is likely to reply, “Out of a wall socket.” Pressed further, they may suggest a thermal or hydroelectric plant as the source, depending on where they live in the country. In response to further probing, some may guess either nuclear power or fossil fuel as the origin. But it would be only a guess. Most people haven’t a clue where their electricity comes from. And why should they, as long as it’s available when they need it? Plug something in, switch it on, and the power is there. No one thinks too much about how the kilowatts are made.