How is electricity made in power plants?

Answer 1

The large power plants like power stations have turbo-generators (generators driven by turbines) within them. Steam is made by various means depending on the type of power station (nuclear, coal, oil, gas) and this under pressure drives the turbines. They in turn drive the generators (these are normally known as alternators in power stations because they produce alternating current).

Smaller power plants such as a portable one that you can carry around are normally powered by a petrol engine, but this engine drives a generator producing either alternating or direct current depending on type.