Electricity of electrochemical origin is generated through a chemical reaction that triggers a movement of electrons in one direction inside the conductor: for example, from the negative to the positive terminal of a battery. This type of current is called direct current.

When the movement of electrons is caused by a magnet moving inside a metal coil, it's said to be of electromagnetic origin. In this case, however, the electrons jump back and forth between the atoms, as the magnet alternately pushes and pulls them. This type of current is called alternating current. Magnetism is used to generate over 99% of the world's electricity.