GMC Holding Corporation (fka GMCC)

[chipotle_pickle]

I think you mean where does the potential come from. The electrons are already there, in the wire, and the generator just pushes them. Here is something you might want to try at home, since feeling something for yourself can be much more meaningful than seeing it or reading about it. Get a cheap little hand powered generator. Hook it up to a high resistance circuit (or even an open circuit) and turn it. Get a feeling for how hard it is to turn. Then hook it up to lower resistance circuits like small lightbulbs. Get a feeling for how hard it is to turn. Direct tactile experience will keep you from again wondering where generators get their umph from.