/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/testkorpus/27/file18.html NN ----------------------------------------- : up RB to TO FAQ NP ELECTRICITY NN ARTICLES NNS GOOD JJ STUFF NN NEW JJ STUFF NN SEARCH NN LOADING VVG LARGE JJ TEXT NN FILE NN , , PLEASE VV WAIT VV . SENT . SENT . SENT ELECTRICITY NN FAQ NP To TO submit VV a DT question NN to TO this DT FAQ NP , , use VVP the DT COMMENTS NNS FORM VVP SCROLL VV DOWN RB MANUALLY RB if IN you PP didn't VVD enter VV this DT page NN via IN elefaq NP . SENT html NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP COME VV ON RP , , WHAT WP IS VBZ ELECTRICITY NN , , REALLY RB . SENT OK UH OK UH , , enough RB with IN the DT definitions NNS . SENT Here RB is VBZ the DT simple JJ answer NN . SENT There EX are VBP TWO CD main JJ things NNS that IN flow NN along IN wires NNS . SENT Electric NP Charge NP Electric NP Energy NP There RB are VBP several JJ other JJ things NNS that IN flow NN as IN well RB , , but CC to TO keep VV it PP simple JJ , , we'll JJ ignore VVP them PP . SENT Because IN there EX are VBP TWO CD things NNS flowing VVG , , we PP cannot NN call VV them PP by IN the DT name NN electricity NN . SENT For IN this DT reason NN , , we PP cannot NN ask VV what WP is VBZ electricity NN . SENT Instead RB we PP have VHP to TO ask VV more JJR specific JJ questions NNS like IN these DT . SENT What WP is VBZ the DT stuff NN that WDT flows VVZ through IN a DT light JJ bulb NN and CC comes VVZ back RB out RB again RB through IN the DT other JJ wire NN . SENT What WP is VBZ the DT stuff NN that WDT flows VVZ into IN a DT light JJ bulb NN and CC gets VVZ changed VVN entirely RB into IN light NN and CC heat NN . SENT The DT answer NN to TO question NN 1 CD is VBZ ELECTRIC NP CHARGE NN . SENT Charge NN is VBZ a DT stuff NN that WDT flows VVZ through IN lightbulbs NNS , , and CC it PP flows VVZ around IN a DT circuit NN . SENT Normally RB no DT charge NN is VBZ lost VVN during IN the DT operation NN of IN a DT circuit NN , , and CC no DT charge NN is VBZ gained VVN . SENT Also RB , , charge NN flows NNS very RB slowly RB , , and CC it PP can MD even RB stop VV flowing VVG and CC just RB sit VV there RB inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT In IN an DT AC NP circuit NN , , charge NN does VVZ not RB flow VV forwards RB at IN all DT , , instead RB it PP sits VVZ in IN one CD place NN and CC wiggles VVZ forwards RB and CC back RB . SENT The DT answer NN to TO question NN 2 CD is VBZ ELECTRICAL JJ ENERGY NN . SENT It's NP also RB called VVD electromagnetic JJ energy NN . SENT This DT energy NN is VBZ also RB like IN a DT stuff NN and CC it PP can MD flow VV from IN place NN to TO place VV . SENT It PP always RB flows VVZ very RB fast RB . SENT almost RB at IN the DT speed NN of IN light NN . SENT It PP can MD be VB gained VVN and CC lost VVN from IN circuits NNS , , such JJ as IN when WRB a DT light JJ bulb NN changes NNS the DT flow NN of IN electrical JJ energy NN into IN a DT flow NN of IN light NN and CC heat NN . SENT Here RB is VBZ a DT list NN of IN differences NNS of IN these DT two CD kinds NNS of IN stuff NN . SENT ELECTRIC JJ CHARGE NN E NN . SENT M NP . SENT ENERGY NN Flows VVZ very RB slowly RB , , and CC can MD even RB stop VV . SENT Always RB flows VVZ incredibly RB fast RB , , almost RB at IN the DT speed NN of IN light NN . SENT The DT flow NN is VBZ called VVN electric JJ current NN , , measured VVN in IN Amps NNS . SENT The DT flow NN is VBZ called VVN electric JJ power NN , , measured VVN in IN Watts NP . SENT Flows NNS through IN light JJ bulbs NNS Consumed VVN by IN light JJ bulbs NNS and CC converted VVN into IN light NN In IN AC NP cables NNS , , it PP wiggles VVZ back RB and CC forth RB In IN AC NP cables NNS , , it PP flows VVZ continuously RB forwards RB Supplied VVN by IN metals NNS and CC by IN all DT other JJ conductors NNS Supplied VVN by IN generators NNS , , batteries NNS , , etc FW . SENT It's NP a DT component NN of IN matter NN A DT form NN of IN energy NN Doesn't NP usually RB leave VV a DT circuit NN . SENT A DT Source NN injects VVZ it PP into IN a DT circuit NN , , while IN a DT load NN removes VVZ it PP again RB . SENT Composed VVN of IN movable JJ charges NNS from IN conductor NN atoms NNS Composed VVN of IN electromagnetic JJ fields NNS Electrons NNS and CC protons NNS are VBP particles NNS of IN CHARGE NN Photons NNS are VBP particles NNS of IN E NP . SENT M NP . SENT energy NN Flows VVZ inside RB of IN wires NNS Flows NNS in IN the DT space NN adjacent JJ to TO wires NNS Generators NNS pump VVP it PP through IN themselves PP Generators NNS create VVP it PP Circular JJ flow NN . SENT It PP flows VVZ around RP and CC around IN the DT circuit NN , , and CC never RB leaves VVZ it PP . SENT One CD way NN flow NN , , from IN a DT source NN to TO a DT load NN . SENT VISIBLE JJ . SENT it PP is VBZ the DT silvery JJ part NN of IN a DT metal NN INVISIBLE JJ . SENT the DT EM NN energy NN can MD only RB be VB seen VVN if IN you PP use VVP iron NN filings NNS , , etc FW . SENT Measured VVN in IN units NNS called VVD Coulombs NNS Measured VVN in IN units NNS called VVN Joules NNS Occurs VVZ naturally RB Produced VVN and CC sold VVN by IN electric JJ companies NNS Scientists NNS of IN old JJ called VVD it PP electricity NN . SENT Today NN , , electric JJ companies NNS call VVP it PP electricity NN . SENT Electric JJ charge NN flows NNS along IN wires NNS . SENT So RB does VVZ electromagnetic JJ energy NN . SENT If IN you PP ask VVP what WP is VBZ electricity NN , , the DT answer NN is VBZ WHICH WDT ONE CD . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP HOW WRB DO VV WE PP MAKE VV ELECTRICITY NN . SENT How WRB do VVP we PP make VV electricity NN . SENT This DT question NN is VBZ impossible JJ to TO answer VV , , since IN the DT word NN electricity NN has VHZ no DT clear JJ meaning NN . SENT OK UH , , how WRB about RB this DT . SENT I'll JJ answer NN the DT question NN , , but CC I'll NP use VVP the DT scientific JJ definition NN for IN the DT word NN electricity NN . SENT You PP probably RB won't VVD like IN this DT , , since IN most JJS textbooks NNS define VV electricity NN very RB differently RB than IN scientists NNS do VVP . SENT My PP$ answer NN is VBZ going VVG to TO sound VV weird JJ . SENT Scientists NNS say VVP that DT electricity NN is VBZ the DT quantity NN of IN electric JJ charge NN . SENT School NN textbooks NNS disagree VVP . SENT textbooks NNS instead RB define VV electricity NN as IN the DT quantity NN of IN electrical JJ energy NN . SENT But CC charge NN and CC energy NN are VBP two CD completely RB different JJ things NNS . SENT For IN a DT list NN of IN the DT many JJ differences NNS between IN electric JJ charge NN and CC electric JJ energy NN , , see VV above RB . SENT OK UH , , forward RB to TO the DT answer NN . SENT Electricity NN means VVZ charge NN . SENT Electricity NN is VBZ a DT fundamental JJ property NN of IN matter NN , , so RB in IN order NN to TO create VV electricity NN , , we PP have VHP to TO create VV matter NN . SENT The DT positive JJ and CC negative JJ charges NNS of IN electricity NN are VBP permanently RB attached VVN to TO the DT electrons NNS and CC protons NNS in IN atoms NNS . SENT To TO make VV electricity NN we'd NN have VHP to TO create VV protons NNS or CC create VV electrons NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT easy JJ way NN to TO make VV electric JJ charge NN out IN of IN thin JJ air NN . SENT It's NP not RB impossible JJ though RB . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT gigantic JJ particle NN accelerator NN at IN a DT physics NN laboratory NN then RB you PP can MD create VV new JJ charged VVN particles NNS . SENT The DT same JJ thing NN happens VVZ naturally RB in IN radioactive JJ materials NNS and CC when WRB cosmic JJ rays NNS from IN space NN strike NN atoms NNS down RB here RB on IN earth NN . SENT But CC other JJ than IN that DT , , it's NNS not RB possible JJ to TO make VV any DT electricity NN . SENT If IN a DT textbook NN says VVZ that IN electric JJ generators NNS make VVP electricity NN , , that DT textbook NN is VBZ using VVG the DT word NN electricity NN in IN an DT unscientific JJ way NN . SENT Generators NNS don't VVD make VV any DT electricity NN Batteries NNS don't VVD make VV any DT electricity NN Solar NP cells NNS don't VVD make VV any DT electricity NN Fuel NN cells NNS don't VVD make VV any DT electricity NN Rubbing VVG fur NN on IN plastic JJ doesn't NN make VV any DT electricity NN VandeGraaff NP machines NNS don't VVD make VV any DT electricity NN If IN all DT of IN the DT above JJ devices NNS don't NN make VVP electricity NN , , then RB what WP DO VVP they PP do VVP . SENT Simple JJ . SENT All DT of IN them PP are VBP electricity NN pumps NNS . SENT As RB with IN any DT pump NN , , the DT pump NN isn't VVD a DT source NN of IN liquid NN , , the DT pump NN merely RB moves VVZ the DT liquid NN . SENT An DT electric JJ generator NN doesn't NN supply NN electricity NN , , it PP only RB pumps NNS it PP . SENT The DT electricity NN wass NP already RB in IN the DT wires NNS , , and CC generators NNS or CC batteries NNS , , etc FW . SENT just RB pump VV it PP . SENT But CC how WRB did VVD the DT electricity NN get VV into IN the DT wires NNS . SENT I PP answer VVP that DT question NN over IN here RB . SENT WHAT WP DOES VVZ CONDUCTOR NN REALLY RB MEAN VV . SENT But CC when WRB the DT electric JJ company NN says VVZ that DT they're NN selling NN electricity NN , , what's NNS going VVG on IN . SENT Simple JJ . SENT they're NN using VVG the DT unscientific JJ definition NN of IN the DT word NN electricity NN . SENT They PP really RB don't VVD sell VV any DT electricity NN . SENT Instead RB they PP sell VVP a DT pumping VVG service NN . SENT Instead RB they're NN just RB pumping VVG electricity NN back RB and CC forth RB inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT That's NNS what WP alternating VVG current JJ means NNS . SENT The DT electricity NN just RB sits VVZ in IN the DT wires NNS and CC wiggles VVZ 60 CD times NNS per IN second JJ . SENT The DT electric JJ company NN sells VVZ a DT pumping VVG service NN , , and CC you PP can MD use VV their PP$ service NN to TO run VV motors NNS and CC heaters NNS and CC light JJ bulbs NNS . SENT They PP sell VVP energy NN , , but CC they PP don't VVD sell VV you PP any DT electrons NNS . SENT The DT electrons NNS don't NN even RB really RB flow VV at IN all DT , , they PP just RB vibrate VV . SENT Is VBZ this DT all RB too RB confusing JJ . SENT Maybe RB you'd JJ like IN the DT answer NN to TO a DT different JJ question NN . SENT HOW WRB CAN MD WE PP MAKE VV ELECTRIC NP CURRENT JJ . SENT See VV below RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP HOW WRB DO VV WE PP MAKE VV CURRENTS NNS OF IN ELECTRICITY NN . SENT All DT conductors NNS contain VVP some DT movable JJ charges NNS , , some DT movable JJ electricity NN . SENT We PP never RB have VHP to TO make VV electricity NN , , since IN electricity NN is VBZ already RB there RB . SENT We PP just RB have VHP to TO move VV it PP somehow RB . SENT So RB how WRB can MD we PP move VV it PP . SENT Just RB how WRB can MD we PP pump VV the DT electricity NN and CC create VV some DT electrical JJ currents NNS . SENT Brief JJ answer NN . SENT CREATE VV VOLTAGE NN . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ like IN electrical JJ pressure NN . SENT To TO make VV a DT conductor's NNS charges NNS start VVP moving VVG , , just RB apply VV some DT voltage NN pressure NN across IN that DT conductor NN . SENT There EX are VBP three CD common JJ ways NNS to TO create VV voltages NNS which WDT can MD push VV electric JJ charges NNS along RB . SENT Move VV a DT magnet NN past IN a DT conductor NN . SENT Place NN two CD different JJ conductors NNS into IN some DT salt NN water NN . SENT Touch RB two CD different JJ conductors NNS together RB , , then RB shine VVP some DT light NN on IN them PP . SENT It's NP also RB a DT list NN of IN the DT three CD common JJ kinds NNS of IN electrical JJ power NN supply NN . SENT ELECTRIC JJ COMPANY NN GENERATOR NN . SENT Move VV a DT magnet NN past IN a DT conductor NN . SENT BATTERY NN . SENT Place NN two CD different JJ conductors NNS into IN some DT salt NN water NN . SENT SOLAR JJ CELL NN . SENT Touch RB two CD different JJ conductors NNS together RB , , then RB shine VVP light JJ on IN them PP . SENT There EX are VBP more JJR than IN just RB three CD ways NNS to TO move VV charges NNS , , but CC the DT other JJ ways NNS are VBP more RBR exotic JJ and CC not RB often RB used VVN for IN powering VVG everyday JJ products NNS . SENT 4 LS . SENT ANTENNA NN . SENT Shine VV some DT radio NN waves NNS on IN a DT short JJ metal NN wire NN . SENT 5 LS . SENT PIEZOELECTRIC NN CRYSTAL NN . SENT Place VV a DT special JJ crystal NN between IN two CD metal NN plates NNS , , then RB squeeze VV or CC bend VV the DT crystal NN . SENT 6 CD . SENT THERMOCOUPLE NN OR CC T NN E NN MODULE NN . SENT Touch RB two CD different JJ conductors NNS together RB , , then RB heat VV them PP . SENT 7 CD . SENT ELECTROSTATIC JJ GENERATOR NN . SENT Touch RB two CD different JJ insulators NNS together RB , , then RB pull VV them PP apart RB again RB . SENT 8 CD . SENT THERMIONIC JJ CELL NN . SENT Place NN two CD metal NN plates NNS in IN a DT vacuum NN , , heat NN one CD plate NN white NN hot JJ so IN it PP spews VVZ out RP electrons NNS . SENT 9 CD . SENT NUCLEAR JJ ELECTROSTATIC JJ BATTERY NN . SENT Collect VV the DT charged VVN alpha NN or CC beta NN particles NNS emitted VVN by IN a DT radioactive JJ material NN . SENT 10 CD . SENT PHOTOSYNTHESIS NN SOLAR JJ CELL NN . SENT Place VV some DT nano NP sized VVD biological JJ proton NN pumps NNS on IN a DT membrane NN , , shine NN light NN on IN them PP 11 CD . SENT TOLMAN NP DEVICE NN . SENT choose VV a DT conductor NN which WDT has VHZ fixed VVN positive JJ charges NNS and CC movable JJ negative JJ charges NNS , , then RB vibrate VV the DT conductor NN under IN construction NN BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT WDT IS VBZ ALTERNATING VVG CURRENT JJ . SENT AND CC DIRECT JJ CURRENT NN . SENT In IN an DT AC NP system NN , , the DT wires NNS are VBP filled VVN with IN vibrating VVG charges NNS . SENT In IN a DT DC NP system NN , , the DT charges NNS flow VVP forward RB like VV a DT rubber NN belt NN . SENT And CC when WRB everything NN is VBZ turned VVN off RP , , the DT wires NNS are VBP STILL RB full JJ of IN charges NNS , , but CC they PP aren't VVD flowing VVG . SENT Here RB is VBZ an DT analogy NN for IN understanding VVG AC NP and CC DC NP . SENT Get VV a DT bicycle NN wheel NN . SENT Fill VV it PP with IN mechanical JJ energy NN by IN spinning VVG it PP fast RB . SENT Now RB put VV your PP$ finger NN against IN the DT spinning JJ tire NN . SENT The DT tire NN slows VVZ down RP , , and CC your PP$ finger NN gets VVZ hot JJ . SENT The DT rubber NN tire NN acts VVZ like IN the DT charge NN inside IN the DT wires NNS of IN an DT electric JJ circuit NN . SENT It PP moves VVZ in IN a DT single JJ direction NN , , and CC that's NNS what WP Direct JJ current JJ means NNS . SENT OK UH , , now RB take VV the DT same JJ bicycle NN wheel NN and CC have VH a DT friend NN start NN turning VVG it PP back RB and CC forth RB , , back RB and CC forth RB . SENT Have VHP them PP do VV this DT very RB fast JJ , , so RB the DT turning NN is VBZ more JJR like IN a DT wiggling VVG . SENT Now RB put VV your PP$ thumb NN on IN the DT tire NN so IN the DT tire NN rubs VVZ upon IN your PP$ skin NN . SENT Your PP$ thumb NN gets VVZ hot JJ . SENT You PP have VHP just RB demonstrated VVN alternating VVG current JJ . SENT Your PP$ thumb NN represents VVZ an DT electric JJ heater NN , , while IN your PP$ friend NN was VBD acting VVG like IN an DT AC NP generator NN . SENT The DT rubber NN bicycle NN tire NN represents VVZ the DT charges NNS flowing VVG inside IN the DT wires NNS of IN an DT electric JJ circuit NN . SENT We PP can MD pump VV them PP in IN a DT single JJ direction NN , , and CC this DT creates VVZ DC NP . SENT Or CC we PP can MD use VV a DT different JJ kind NN of IN pump NN , , and CC force VV them PP to TO all DT move NN back RB and CC forth RB . SENT This DT is VBZ AC NP . SENT One CD last JJ thing NN . SENT It PP is VBZ very RB important JJ that IN you PP realize VVP that IN batteries NNS and CC generators NNS do VVP not RB create VV the DT flowing JJ charges NNS . SENT ALL DT WIRES NNS ARE VBP FULL JJ OF IN CHARGES NNS , , all PDT the DT time NN . SENT All DT metals NNS are VBP full JJ of IN movable JJ charges NNS . SENT Batteries NNS and CC generators NNS are VBP electricity NN pumps NNS , , but CC they PP don't VVD create VV the DT stuff NN that IN they PP pump VVP . SENT A DT circle NN of IN wires NNS is VBZ like IN a DT wheel NN , , and CC if IN you PP push VVP its PP$ charges NNS along RP , , then RB all PDT the DT charges NNS would MD move VV forward RB , , just RB like IN the DT rubber NN of IN a DT drive NN belt NN . SENT We PP can MD only RB create VV an DT electric JJ current NN if IN the DT charges NNS are VBP already RB there RB . SENT Fortunately RB , , wires NNS are VBP full JJ of IN movable JJ charges NNS . SENT They PP are VBP like IN pipes NNS which WDT are VBP always RB pre NP filled VVD with IN water NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP ARE VBP ELECTRIC NP CURRENTS NNS ONLY RB ON IN THE DT SURFACE NN OF IN A DT WIRE NN . SENT In IN DC NP circuits NNS and CC in IN 60 CD Hz NP AC NP circuits NNS , , the DT current NN exists VVZ all DT through IN the DT entire JJ wire NN . SENT The DT charge NN doesn't NN flow NN only RB on IN the DT surface NN . SENT If IN it PP did VVD , , then RB we PP could MD replace VV all PDT our PP$ expensive JJ copper NN wires NNS with IN cheap JJ plastic NN . SENT . SENT . SENT just RB give VV the DT plastic NN a DT very RB thin JJ copper NN coating NN . SENT But CC the DT question NN brings VVZ up RP some DT important JJ ideas NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , when WRB we PP place VVP an DT electrostatic JJ charge NN on IN a DT wire NN , , the DT charge NN spreads VVZ out RP and CC occupies VVZ only RB the DT surface NN of IN the DT metal NN . SENT It PP does VVZ not RB go VV inside RB . SENT But CC this DT makes VVZ no DT sense NN . SENT After IN all DT , , an DT electric JJ current NN is VBZ a DT charge NN flow NN . SENT If IN charge NN exists VVZ only RB on IN the DT surface NN , , how WRB can MD electric JJ current NN be VB deep JJ inside IN the DT metal NN . SENT Yet CC currents NNS really RB are VBP deep RB inside RB , , while IN electrostatic JJ charge NN appears VVZ on IN the DT surface NN . SENT Here's NP the DT solution NN . SENT . SENT . SENT only RB EXCESS JJ CHARGE NN exists VVZ on IN the DT surface NN of IN the DT conductor NN , , while IN electrons NNS and CC protons NNS themselves PP can MD be VB anywhere RB in IN the DT metal NN . SENT Remember VV that IN metal NN wires NNS are VBP already RB made VVN of IN charge NN . SENT they PP contain VVP a DT sea NN of IN movable JJ electrons NNS . SENT This DT is VBZ always RB true JJ , , even RB when WRB the DT metal NN is VBZ uncharged JJ . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , metals NNS are VBP always RB full JJ of IN uncharged JJ charge NN because IN every DT movable JJ negative JJ electron NN is VBZ near IN a DT positive JJ proton NN . SENT The DT negatives NNS and CC positives NNS cancel VV out RP . SENT Yet RB still RB the DT electron NN sea NN can MD flow VV along RP through IN the DT metal NN as IN if IN it PP were VBD a DT kind NN of IN a DT liquid NN . SENT The DT liquid NN is VBZ made VVN of IN charge NN , , but CC it's NNS cancelled VVN out IN charge NN . SENT it's NNS uncharged JJ charge NN . SENT This DT flow NN is VBZ not RB on IN the DT surface NN . SENT But CC suppose VVP we PP give VV the DT wires NNS some DT EXCESS JJ positive JJ charge NN by IN removing VVG some DT electrons NNS . SENT This DT excess JJ charge NN will MD migrate VV almost RB instantly RB to TO the DT surface NN of IN the DT metal NN . SENT It's NP all RB very RB confusing JJ , , no RB . SENT The DT confusion NN occurs VVZ because IN the DT word NN charge NN has VHZ two CD separate JJ meanings NNS . SENT It PP means VVZ a DT glob NN of IN charged VVN particles NNS . SENT Copper NN is VBZ full JJ of IN movable JJ electrons NNS , , so RB it PP is VBZ full JJ of IN charge NN . SENT But CC Charge NP also RB means VVZ net JJ charge NN , , or CC negatives NNS subtracted VVN from IN positives NNS . SENT Inside IN copper NN , , the DT number NN of IN electrons NNS and CC protons NNS are VBP equal JJ , , so RB copper NN contains VVZ no DT charge NN at IN all DT . SENT Yet RB copper NN is VBZ full JJ of IN charge VV all PDT the DT time NN . SENT It's NP all RB screwy JJ . SENT See VV my PP$ stuff NN about IN the DT word NN charge NN . SENT These DT misconceptions NNS make VVP people NNS argue VVP over RP whether IN electric JJ currents NNS are VBP deep JJ inside IN wires NNS or CC only RB on IN the DT surface NN . SENT Answer NN . SENT they're JJ deep JJ inside NN , , yet RB wires NNS can MD have VH a DT surface NN charge NN , , and CC this DT causes NNS confusion NN . SENT To TO make VV matters NNS EVEN RB MORE RB confusing JJ , , there EX is VBZ another DT phenomenon NN here RB called VVN . SENT . SENT . SENT THE DT SKIN NN EFFECT NN The DT skin NN effect NN causes VVZ electric JJ currents NNS to TO avoid VV the DT middle NN of IN wires NNS and CC only RB appear VVP on IN the DT surface NN . SENT GAH NP . SENT . SENT . SENT . SENT . SENT . SENT But CC fortunately RB the DT Skin NN Effect NN only RB applies VVZ to TO AC NP . SENT Also RB , , it's NNS mostly RB significant JJ for IN frequencies NNS far RB higher JJR than IN the DT 60 CD Hz NP of IN household JJ AC NP circuits NNS . SENT It's NP usually RB OK JJ to TO ignore VV the DT Skin NN Effect NN unless IN you're NN involved VVN with IN audio JJ cables NNS , , antennas NNS and CC transmitters NNS , , electromagnetism NN theory NN , , pulses NNS and CC lightning NN strikes NNS , , etc FW . SENT The DT skin NN effect NN occurs VVZ because IN metals NNS act VVP as IN electromagnetic JJ shields NNS , , and CC because IN electrical JJ energy NN always RB travels VVZ as IN electromagnetic JJ EM NN fields NNS across IN circuits NNS . SENT When WRB a DT generator NN sends VVZ electrical JJ energy NN to TO your PP$ home NN , , the DT energy NN travels VVZ as IN EM NN fields NNS near IN the DT wires NNS , , and CC the DT flowing JJ energy NN is VBZ solidly RB coupled VVN to TO the DT electrons NNS and CC protons NNS in IN the DT metal NN wires NNS . SENT Most JJS people NNS assume VVP that DT electrical JJ energy NN travels VVZ INSIDE IN the DT wires NNS . SENT Not RB so RB . SENT When WRB pulses NNS of IN electrical JJ energy NN travel NN along IN a DT wire NN , , they PP produce VVP an DT excess JJ charge NN on IN the DT surface NN of IN a DT wire NN , , and CC they PP cause VVP an DT electric JJ current NN inside IN the DT wire NN . SENT But CC because IN the DT metal NN acts VVZ like IN an DT EM NN shield NN , , at IN first RB the DT path NN for IN electric JJ current NN only RB exists VVZ on IN the DT surface NN . SENT As IN the DT millionths NNS of IN seconds NNS pass VVP by IN , , more RBR and CC more RBR electric JJ current NN appears VVZ deep JJ inside IN the DT wire NN . SENT Finally RB after IN a DT fraction NN of IN a DT second JJ the DT current NN is VBZ everywhere RB inside IN the DT wire NN . SENT But CC what WP if IN we're NN dealing VVG with IN Alternating VVG Current JJ . SENT Then RB the DT process NN has VHZ to TO re NN start NN for IN every DT pulse NN of IN current JJ . SENT If IN the DT frequency NN of IN the DT AC NP is VBZ low JJ , , then RB the DT current JJ path NN has VHZ plenty RB of IN time NN to TO migrate VV everywhere RB inside IN the DT wire NN . SENT But CC if IN the DT wire NN is VBZ very RB thick JJ many JJ cm NN across IN , , or CC if IN the DT frequency NN is VBZ very RB high JJ , , then RB the DT current JJ path NN never RB migrates VVZ very RB far RB from IN the DT surface NN before IN it PP has VHZ to TO reverse VV and CC starts VVZ over RP . SENT Because IN of IN the DT Skin NN Effect NN , , we PP can MD save VV money NN in IN high JJ frequency NN circuits NNS by IN replacing VVG the DT expensive JJ solid JJ cables NNS with IN cheaper JJR hollow JJ pipes NNS . SENT This DT mostly RB applies VVZ to TO high JJ power NN radio NN transmitters NNS . SENT And CC with IN UHF NP and CC microwave NN circuits NNS , , the DT skin NN of IN current JJ is VBZ so RB thin JJ that IN we PP can MD give VV the DT copper NN conductors NNS a DT plating NN of IN silver NN , , and CC the DT entire JJ current NN will MD exist VV only RB in IN the DT high JJ conductivity NN silver NN . SENT . SENT . SENT as RB if IN we PP were VBD using VVG all DT silver JJ conductors NNS . SENT In IN many JJ circuits NNS it PP would MD be VB best RBS to TO use VV silver NN wires NNS rather RB than IN copper NN , , but CC that DT stuff NN is VBZ too RB damn RB expensive JJ . SENT The DT Skin NN Effect NN also RB makes VVZ people NNS argue VVP over RP whether IN the DT currents NNS are VBP inside IN the DT wires NNS , , or CC only RB on IN the DT surface NN . SENT Answer NN . SENT for IN DC NP and CC 60 CD HZ NP AC NP circuits NNS , , the DT skin NN effect NN can MD almost RB always RB be VB ignored VVN . SENT But CC the DT higher JJR the DT frequency NN , , and CC the DT thicker JJR the DT conductor NN , , the DT worse JJR the DT Skin NN Effect NN becomes VVZ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP ELECTRONS NNS FLOW NN SLOWLY RB , , SO RB HOW WRB CAN MD LIGHTS NNS TURN VV ON RP INSTANTLY RB . SENT This DT question NN has VHZ an DT easy JJ answer NN . SENT the DT lights NNS turn VVP on IN instantly RB because IN wires NNS are VBP ALREADY RB packed VVN full JJ of IN movable JJ electrons NNS . SENT So RB if IN the DT battery NN or CC generator NN tries VVZ to TO pull VV some DT electrons NNS out RP of IN one CD end NN of IN a DT wire NN , , it PP has VHZ to TO suck VV all PDT the DT electrons NNS forward RB . SENT Or CC , , imagine VV a DT drive NN belt NN with IN two CD pulleys NNS . SENT when WRB you PP turn VVP one CD pulley NN , , the DT whole JJ belt NN moves NNS instantly RB , , and CC the DT distant JJ pulley NN turns VVZ too RB . SENT Yet RB the DT belt NN itself PP didn't VVD move VV very RB fast RB . SENT The DT electrons NNS inside IN the DT wires NNS are VBP like IN the DT circular JJ drive NN belt NN . SENT Here RB are VBP other JJ similar JJ questions NNS . SENT When WRB I PP pull VVP on IN a DT chain NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT far JJ end NN of IN the DT chain NN start NN moving VVG instantly RB . SENT When WRB I PP push VVP on IN the DT end NN of IN a DT long JJ stick NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT other JJ end NN of IN the DT stick VVP suddenly RB move VV . SENT When WRB I PP blow VV a DT puff NN of IN air NN into IN a DT long JJ hollow JJ tube NN , , why WRB does VVZ air NN instantly RB come VVN out RP of IN the DT far JJ end NN . SENT When WRB I PP push VVP on IN the DT rim NN of IN a DT bicycle NN wheel NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT whole JJ wheel NN start NN moving VVG . SENT When WRB I PP turn VVP the DT roller NN at IN one CD end NN of IN a DT conveyor NN belt NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT roller NN at IN the DT other JJ end NN move NN too RB . SENT When WRB I PP talk VVP , , the DT air NN just RB wiggles VVZ back RB and CC forth RB . SENT How WRB can MD sound VV fly VV in IN just RB ONE CD direction NN outwards NNS from IN my PP$ mouth NN . SENT When WRB I PP turn VVP on IN a DT garden NN hose NN , , and CC the DT hose NN is VBZ full JJ of IN water NN , , why WRB does VVZ water NN squirt VV out RP of IN the DT far JJ end NN instantly RB . SENT See VV what's NNS happening VVG . SENT It's NP waves NNS . SENT If IN you PP pull VVP on IN a DT chain NN , , the DT chain NN moves VVZ TOWARDS IN you PP , , yet RB something NN is VBZ moving VVG away RB from IN you PP quickly RB . SENT This DT something NN is VBZ mechanical JJ energy NN . SENT The DT first JJ link NN in IN the DT chain NN pulls VVZ on IN the DT second JJ link NN , , which WDT pulls VVZ on IN the DT third JJ link NN , , etc FW . SENT Each DT link NN moves VVZ TOWARDS IN your PP$ hand NN , , yet RB each DT link NN delivers VVZ energy NN to TO a DT link NN FARTHER RBR OUT RB . SENT Each DT link NN moves VVZ slowly RB , , but CC the DT wave NN moves VVZ very RB fast RB . SENT This DT wave NN is VBZ like IN the DT electrical JJ energy NN in IN a DT circuit NN . SENT The DT links NNS in IN the DT metal NN chain NN are VBP like IN the DT electrons NNS inside IN a DT wire NN . SENT There's RB a DT big JJ problem NN here RB . SENT The DT word NN electricity NN is VBZ the DT problem NN . SENT Science NN books NNS in IN elementary JJ school NN correctly RB teach VV us PP that IN electrons NNS are VBP particles NNS of IN electricity NN , , and CC that DT electric JJ current NN is VBZ a DT flow NN of IN electricity NN . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , they PP teach VVP that DT electricity NN is VBZ like IN that DT chain NN we PP yanked VVD upon RP . SENT But CC then RB the DT books NNS contradict VV themselves PP . SENT . SENT . SENT they PP also RB tell VVP us PP that DT electricity NN is VBZ . SENT . SENT . SENT a DT form NN of IN energy NN that WDT travels VVZ almost RB instantly RB along IN the DT wires NNS . SENT WHAT WP . SENT . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , electricity NN the DT electrons NNS themselves PP , , and CC ALSO RB electricity NN is VBZ like IN the DT wave NN that WDT moved VVD along IN the DT chain NN of IN electrons NNS . SENT Well RB , , which WDT is VBZ it PP . SENT If IN electricity NN is VBZ the DT wave NN , , it PP can't NN be VB the DT electrons NNS in IN the DT chain NN . SENT The DT books NNS are VBP wrong JJ . SENT They're NP screwed VVD up RP . SENT Their PP$ authors NNS don't NN understand VVP the DT difference NN between IN a DT wave NN and CC its PP$ medium NN . SENT They PP don't VVD understand VV electricity NN at IN all DT . SENT They PP teach VVP that DT electricity NN is VBZ like IN air NN flowing VVG inside IN a DT tube NN , , but CC they PP ALSO RB teach VVP us PP that DT electricity NN is VBZ like IN sound JJ waves NNS in IN a DT tube NN . SENT SOUND NN IS VBZ NOT RB AIR NN . SENT No DT wonder NN we PP don't VVD understand VV electricity NN . SENT Yet CC these DT authors NNS are VBP being VBG paid VVN to TO be VB the DT experts NNS that IN our PP$ teachers NNS rely VVP upon RP . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , our PP$ teachers NNS don't NN understand VVP electricity NN at IN all DT , , and CC it's NNS because IN they PP trust VVP books NNS which WDT are VBP wrong JJ . SENT I PP suspect VVP that DT nobody NN wants VVZ to TO fix VV the DT books NNS , , since IN ALL PDT these DT books NNS have VHP the DT same JJ mistake NN . SENT To TO fix VV the DT error NN , , first RB the DT book NN publishers NNS would MD have VH to TO be VB honest JJ and CC take VV responsibility NN for IN such PDT a DT huge JJ problem NN . SENT All PDT the DT teachers NNS would MD have VH to TO admit VV that DT they're NN wrong JJ . SENT This DT hasn't NN happened VVD yet RB . SENT Professional JJ scientists NNS have VHP been VBN complaining VVG about IN this DT same JJ problem NN since IN the DT 1960 CD s PP , , and CC still RB it PP hasn't VVD happened VVN yet RB . SENT But CC the DT internet NN lets VVZ us PP expose VV the DT problem NN for IN all DT to TO see VV . SENT See VV . SENT The DT plague VV of IN errors NNS in IN K NP 6 CD grade NN textbooks NNS http NN . SENT amasci NNS . SENT com NN miscon NN miscon NN . SENT html JJ Typical JJ textbook NN errors NNS about IN electricity NN http NN . SENT amasci NNS . SENT com NN miscon NN elect VV . SENT html NN A DT huge JJ source NN of IN misunderstanding NN . SENT the DT freight NN cars NNS analogy NN http NN . SENT amasci NNS . SENT com NN miscon NN eleca NN . SENT html NN electron NN What WP IS VBZ Electricity NP . SENT . SENT http NN . SENT amasci NNS . SENT com NN miscon NN whatis NN . SENT html NN How WRB fast RB is VBZ an DT electric JJ current NN . SENT http NN . SENT amasci NNS . SENT com NN miscon NN speed NN . SENT html NP Here's NP a DT way NN to TO understand VV how WRB electric JJ circuits NNS work VVP . SENT Get VV a DT long JJ chain NN and CC hook VV its PP$ ends NNS together RB to TO form VV a DT loop NN . SENT Wrap VV this DT chain NN around IN two CD distant JJ pulleys NNS so IN the DT chain NN is VBZ like IN a DT conveyor NN belt NN . SENT Now RB if IN you PP turn VVP one CD pulley NN , , what WP happens VVZ . SENT The DT other JJ pulley NN turns VVZ almost RB at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT The DT chain NN is VBZ like IN the DT electrons NNS inside IN a DT wire NN . SENT The DT chain NN flows VVZ slowly RB in IN a DT circle NN . SENT That's NNS how WRB electrons NNS flow VVP too RB . SENT However RB , , energy NN flows NNS very RB fast RB . SENT When WRB you PP turn VVP one CD pulley NN , , the DT links NNS of IN the DT chain NN yank VV on IN their PP$ neighbors NNS , , and CC waves NNS of IN energy NN flow NN down RB both CC halves VVZ of IN the DT chain NN . SENT The DT distant JJ pulley NN turns VVZ almost RB instantly RB . SENT And CC , , Ta NP Dah NN . SENT the DT first JJ pulley NN is VBZ like IN a DT DC NP generator NN , , while IN the DT distant JJ pulley NN is VBZ like IN a DT DC NP motor NN . SENT The DT circle NN of IN chain NN is VBZ like IN an DT electric JJ circuit NN . SENT The DT links NNS of IN the DT chain NN are VBP like IN the DT electrons NNS inside IN a DT wire NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHICH WDT IS VBZ MORE RB DANGEROUS JJ , , AC NP or CC DC NP . SENT NOTICE NN . SENT I'M NP NOT RB AN DT EXPERT NN IN IN ELECTRICAL JJ SAFETY NN . SENT IF IN YOU PP NEED VVP LEGAL JJ ADVICE NN , , CONTACT VV A DT GENUINE JJ EXPERT NN Yes NP , , DC NP batteries NNS are VBP fairly RB safe JJ , , but CC the DT wires NNS within IN AC NP wall NN outlets NNS are VBP not RB . SENT However RB , , this DT has VHZ little RB to TO do VV with IN AC NP versus CC DC NP . SENT Electric JJ wall NN outlets NNS would MD be VB dangerous JJ even RB if IN they PP were VBD DC NP . SENT This DT danger NN is VBZ caused VVN by IN two CD main JJ things NNS . SENT high JJ voltage NN an DT ability NN to TO pump VV a DT large JJ electric JJ current NN In IN the DT case NN of IN wall NN outlets NNS versus CC batteries NNS , , it's NNS the DT voltage NN of IN the DT power NN supply NN that WDT makes VVZ the DT difference NN . SENT Electric JJ currents NNS cause VVP harm VV when WRB the DT charges NNS in IN your PP$ body NN are VBP forced VVN to TO flow VV . SENT Yet CC both DT batteries NNS and CC wall NN outlets NNS can MD pump VV a DT large JJ electric JJ current NN . SENT But CC it's NNS not RB their PP$ current JJ making VVG ability NN that WDT causes VVZ electrocution NN . SENT Flashlight NN batteries NNS can MD put VV out RP several JJ amperes NNS , , yet RB batteries NNS are VBP safe JJ because IN human JJ skin NN is VBZ a DT relatively RB bad JJ conductor NN . SENT It PP takes VVZ a DT fair JJ amount NN of IN electric JJ pressure NN or CC voltage NN in IN order NN to TO force VV the DT charges NNS within IN your PP$ body NN to TO start VV flowing VVG . SENT Touch NN both CC terminals NNS of IN a DT D NP cell NN , , and CC the DT electric JJ current NN in IN your PP$ skin NN will MD be VB so RB tiny JJ that IN you PP can't VVD feel VV anything NN . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , metal NN wires NNS aren't NN like IN skin NN , , and CC it PP only RB takes VVZ a DT tiny JJ voltage NN to TO pump VV electric JJ charge NN through IN a DT flashlight NN bulb NN . SENT Because IN the DT voltage NN of IN a DT D NP cell NN is VBZ very RB low JJ , , it PP can MD only RB create VV large JJ currents NNS in IN wires NNS and CC in IN light JJ bulbs NNS , , but CC not RB in IN people NNS . SENT OK UH , , if IN 1 CD . SENT 5 CD volts NNS from IN batteries NNS is VBZ safe JJ , , then RB what WP level NN of IN voltage NN is VBZ dangerous JJ . SENT The DT answer NN . SENT it PP varies VVZ from IN person NN to TO person NN , , but CC serious JJ danger NN only RB appears VVZ when WRB the DT voltage NN is VBZ higher JJR than IN about RB 40 CD volts NNS . SENT The DT voltage NN of IN a DT typical JJ battery NN is VBZ far RB below IN the DT 40 CD volts NNS needed VVN to TO electrocute VV you PP . SENT AC NP wall NN outlets NNS are VBP 120 CD V NN , , which WDT is VBZ far RB higher JJR than IN the DT 40 CD volt NN threshold NN . SENT 120 CD volts NNS can MD force VV a DT large JJ electric JJ current NN through IN your PP$ skin NN , , and CC therefore RB wall NN outlets NNS are VBP dangerous JJ . SENT The DT AC NP is VBZ not RB the DT problem NN , , since IN an DT AC NP 12 CD volt NN power NN supply NN such JJ as IN the DT type NN used VVN with IN laptop JJ computers NNS is VBZ not RB dangerous JJ , , even RB though IN it PP is VBZ AC NP . SENT The DT 12 CD v NN computer NN supply NN DOES VVZ have VH the DT ability NN to TO produce VV large JJ currents NNS in IN wires NNS , , but CC its PP$ voltage NN is VBZ too RB low JJ , , and CC it PP can't VVD produce VV a DT large JJ current NN in IN a DT human JJ body NN because IN the DT skin NN is VBZ too RB resistive JJ . SENT Humans NNS are VBP electrically RB protected VVN by IN their PP$ skin NN . SENT Here's NP a DT disgusting JJ thought NN . SENT remove VV your PP$ skin NN , , and CC even RB a DT battery NN becomes VVZ a DT danger NN . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT big JJ cut NN in IN your PP$ chest NN , , don't JJ go VVP sticking VVG a DT 9 CD volt NN battery NN into IN it PP . SENT If IN you PP have VHP huge JJ cuts NNS on IN your PP$ hands NNS , , then RB don't VVD grab VV the DT terminals NNS of IN a DT car NN battery NN . SENT It PP could MD stop VV your PP$ heart NN . SENT I PP guess VVP it's NNS fortunate JJ that IN most JJS people NNS don't NN stick VVP electric JJ wires NNS into IN large JJ open JJ chest NN wounds NNS . SENT Yeesh NP . SENT It's NP especially RB dangerous JJ when WRB the DT path NN for IN current JJ is VBZ through IN your PP$ heart NN . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT big JJ open JJ wound NN on IN both CC your PP$ hands NNS , , don't JJ grab VVP the DT terminals NNS of IN a DT power NN supply NN , , because IN the DT path NN for IN charges NNS would MD lead VV into IN one CD wound NN , , through IN your PP$ arm NN , , THROUGH IN YOUR PP$ CHEST NN , , then RB out RB through IN the DT other JJ wound NN and CC back RB to TO the DT battery NN . SENT Flowing VVG charge NN inside IN your PP$ body NN is VBZ dangerous JJ , , but CC it PP takes VVZ a DT voltage NN to TO create VV a DT charge NN flow NN . SENT A DT flashlight NN battery NN is VBZ probably RB not RB dangerous JJ because IN the DT 1 CD . SENT 5 CD volts NNS can't VVD create VV a DT large JJ current NN in IN your PP$ heart NN . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , high JJ voltage NN by IN itself PP is VBZ not RB dangerous JJ . SENT For IN example NN , , if IN you PP slide NN across IN a DT car NN seat NN and CC then RB climb VV out RP of IN the DT car NN , , 20 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS can MD appear VV between IN your PP$ body NN and CC the DT car NN . SENT Touch VV the DT car NN , , and CC you PP feel VVP a DT painful JJ spark NN , , but CC you PP certainly RB aren't JJ in IN danger NN of IN dying VVG . SENT High JJ voltage NN was VBD present JJ , , but CC there RB weren't NN any DT continuous JJ electric JJ currents NNS . SENT You PP can MD scuff VV your PP$ shoes NNS on IN the DT rug NN and CC zap NN doorknobs NNS all DT day NN with IN little JJ harmful JJ effect NN , , even RB though IN the DT voltage NN occasionally RB approaches VVZ 10 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS . SENT Everyday JJ static JJ sparks NNS are VBP not RB very RB dangerous JJ , , since IN the DT high JJ voltage NN instantly RB vanishes VVZ when WRB the DT spark NN occurs VVZ , , and CC it PP cannot NN produce VV a DT large JJ , , continuing VVG flow NN of IN charge NN through IN your PP$ body NN . SENT To TO be VB dangerous JJ , , an DT electrical JJ energy NN source NN needs VVZ to TO be VB above IN 40 CD volts NNS so IN it PP can MD get VV through IN your PP$ skin NN . SENT Also RB the DT energy NN source NN needs VVZ to TO be VB able JJ to TO supply VV a DT large JJ current NN for IN a DT long JJ time NN for IN at IN least JJS a DT few JJ seconds NNS . SENT OK UH , , what WP about IN AC NP versus CC DC NP . SENT What WP if IN the DT battery NN and CC the DT wall NN outlet NN both CC were VBD 120 CD volts NNS . SENT Would MD one PP be VB safer JJR than IN the DT other JJ . SENT Both DT can MD supply VV a DT large JJ current NN , , and CC both DT have VHP dangerously RB high JJ voltage NN . SENT If IN we PP compare VVP an DT AC NP high JJ voltage NN power NN supply NN with IN a DT DC NP supply NN of IN identical JJ characteristics NNS , , here's NNS one CD answer NN I've NP heard VVD . SENT All DT else JJ being VBG equal JJ , , AC NP is VBZ SOMEWHAT RB more RBR dangerous JJ than IN DC NP because IN AC NP has VHZ a DT slightly RB greater JJR effect NN upon IN your PP$ heart NN . SENT If IN an DT AC NP or CC a DT DC NP 120 CD volt NN power NN supply NN should MD shock VV you PP , , and CC if IN the DT path NN for IN current JJ should MD go VV across IN your PP$ chest NN , , then RB the DT AC NP has VHZ a DT greater JJR chance NN of IN triggering VVG fibrillation NN and CC stopping VVG your PP$ heart NN . SENT Make VV no DT mistake NN , , the DT 120 CD V NN DC NP supply NN is VBZ nearly RB as RB painful JJ and CC as RB dangerous JJ . SENT But CC if IN everything NN else RB is VBZ equal JJ , , a DT 60 CD Hz NP AC NP high JJ voltage NN cable NN is VBZ slightly RB more RBR dangerous JJ than IN a DT DC NP high JJ voltage NN cable NN as RB far RB as IN your PP$ heart NN is VBZ concerned VVN . SENT Another DT interesting JJ tidbit NN . SENT VERY RB HIGH JJ VOLTAGE NN power NN supplies NNS can MD actually RB be VB less RBR dangerous JJ than IN the DT medium JJ high JJ voltage NN used VVN in IN wall NN outlets NNS . SENT By IN very RB high JJ , , I PP mean VVP voltages NNS well RB over IN 500 CD volts NNS . SENT High JJ voltage NN can MD be VB less RBR dangerous JJ because IN high JJ voltage NN can MD act VV as IN a DT natural JJ heart NN defibrillator NN . SENT It PP re NN starts VVZ your PP$ heart NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN as IN it PP stops VVZ your PP$ heart NN . SENT High JJ voltage NN also RB tends VVZ to TO create VV very RB high JJ currents NNS , , which WDT force VVP your PP$ muscles NNS to TO contract NN , , which WDT can MD throw VV your PP$ body NN AWAY RB from IN the DT live JJ conductors NNS . SENT If IN given VVN the DT choice NN , , I PP might MD prefer VV to TO touch VV a DT 1 CD , , 000 CD volt NN wire NN than IN a DT 120 CD volt NN wire NN . SENT With IN the DT 120 CD volts NNS , , my PP$ hands NNS would MD latch VV onto IN the DT wire NN and CC I NN wouldn't NN be VB able JJ to TO let VV go VV . SENT With IN the DT 1 CD , , 000 CD volt NN wire NN there RB would MD be VB a DT big JJ flash NN and CC a DT loud JJ bang NN , , and CC I PP could MD be VB thrown VVN across IN the DT room NN . SENT The DT energy NN didn't NN throw VV me PP , , instead RB the DT current NN made VVD the DT muscles NNS of IN my PP$ legs NNS and CC arms NNS do VVP the DT work NN . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , very RB high JJ voltage NN has VHZ its PP$ down JJ side NN . SENT It PP can MD rapidly RB heat VV flesh NN and CC cause VV internal JJ burns NNS , , whereas IN medium JJ high JJ voltage NN would MD take VV much RB longer RBR to TO cause VV this DT sort NN of IN damage NN . SENT In IN the DT above JJ paragraph NN , , I PP might MD receive VV severe JJ burns NNS from IN touching VVG that IN 1 CD , , 000 CD volt NN wire NN , , and CC maybe RB loose RB a DT finger NN or CC hand NN , , but CC I'd NP still RB be VB alive JJ . SENT But CC if IN I PP grabbed VVD tightly RB to TO 1000 CD volts NNS and CC couldn't NN let VVP go VV , , I'd NP quickly RB be VB roasted VVN into IN charcoal NN . SENT No DT fun NN at IN all DT . SENT USA NP electrocution NN statistics NNS BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHICH WDT IS VBZ MORE RB DANGEROUS JJ , , HIGH JJ VOLTAGE NN OR CC HIGH JJ CURRENT NN . SENT NOTICE NN . SENT I'M NP NOT RB AN DT EXPERT NN IN IN ELECTRICAL JJ SAFETY NN . SENT IF IN YOU PP NEED VVP LEGAL JJ ADVICE NN , , CONTACT VV A DT GENUINE JJ EXPERT NN I PP remember VVP arguing VVG about IN this DT with IN other JJ kids NNS in IN elementary JJ school NN . SENT My PP$ books NNS and CC teachers NNS were VBD no DT help NN in IN answering VVG it PP . SENT Maybe RB this DT mystery NN is VBZ one CD of IN things NNS that WDT attracted VVD me PP to TO electronics NNS in IN the DT first JJ place NN . SENT So RB , , if IN I PP answer VVP your PP$ question NN and CC destroy VV the DT mystery NN , , will MD you PP lose VV your PP$ fascination NN with IN this DT field NN of IN science NN . SENT grin NN . SENT People NNS are VBP harmed VVN by IN electric JJ current JJ mostly RB because IN the DT current NN can MD stop VV your PP$ heart NN . SENT High JJ current NN can MD also RB cook VV your PP$ body NN or CC cause VV lethal JJ chemical NN changes NNS in IN your PP$ muscles NNS . SENT But CC human JJ skin NN is VBZ a DT poor JJ conductor NN . SENT It PP takes VVZ a DT fairly RB high JJ voltage NN in IN order NN to TO push VV a DT fast JJ flow NN of IN charges NNS through IN a DT human JJ body NN . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ like IN a DT push NN . SENT Voltage NN causes NNS current JJ . SENT Voltage NN alone RB cannot NN hurt VV you PP . SENT However RB without IN high JJ voltage NN , , electrocution NN could MD not RB occur VV . SENT The DT voltage NN is VBZ the DT pressure NN that WDT causes VVZ charges NNS in IN your PP$ body NN to TO flow VV along RP , , and CC it PP takes VVZ more JJR than IN about RB 40 CD volts NNS in IN order NN to TO push VV a DT big JJ enough JJ current NN through IN your PP$ body NN to TO severely RB shock VV you PP . SENT High JJ current NN is VBZ never RB dangerous JJ as RB long RB as IN it PP remains VVZ contained VVN inside IN a DT wire NN . SENT In IN order NN to TO cause VV problems NNS , , the DT path NN of IN the DT charge NN flow NN must MD go VV through IN your PP$ body NN and CC not RB just RB through IN a DT wire NN . SENT A DT one CD ampere NN current JJ can MD kill VV you PP , , but CC suppose VVP that IN 1 CD ampere NN current JJ is VBZ inside IN a DT 3 CD volt NN flashlight NN circuit NN . SENT You PP can MD grab VV the DT bare JJ flashlight NN wires NNS without IN danger NN , , and CC the DT large JJ current NN will MD stay VV within IN the DT metal NN . SENT Three CD volts NNS is VBZ too RB weak JJ to TO push VV a DT dangerous JJ level NN of IN current JJ through IN your PP$ skin NN . SENT If IN the DT voltage NN of IN the DT flashlight NN batteries NNS were VBD 120 CD volts NNS , , things NNS would MD be VB different JJ , , and CC there EX might MD be VB a DT dangerous JJ current NN in IN your PP$ body NN if IN you PP grabbed VVD the DT bare JJ wires NNS . SENT Still RB , , you'd NNS have VHP to TO grab VV them PP in IN such PDT a DT way NN that IN your PP$ body NN became VVD part NN of IN the DT circuit NN . SENT So RB , , if IN a DT power NN supply NN is VBZ rated VVN in IN volts NNS and CC amps NNS , , which WDT one PP is VBZ the DT danger NN . SENT BOTH DT . SENT In IN order NN to TO be VB dangerous JJ , , the DT power NN supply NN voltage NN must MD be VB higher JJR than IN 40 CD volts NNS , , and CC the DT current JJ rating NN must MD be VB higher JJR than IN about RB ten CD milliamps NNS 1 CD 100 CD ampere NN . SENT At IN a DT much RB lower RBR current JJ than IN this DT , , even RB a DT high JJ voltage NN power NN supply NN cannot NN electrocute VV you PP . SENT And CC if IN the DT power NN supply NN voltage NN is VBZ well RB below IN 40 CD V NN , , it's NNS not RB dangerous JJ even RB if IN the DT current JJ rating NN is VBZ very RB high JJ . SENT USA NP electrocution NN statistics NNS BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP HOW WRB CAN MD THE DT ELECTRONS NNS FLOW NN SLOWLY RB , , WHILE IN ELECTRICAL JJ ENERGY NN FLOWS NNS FAST RB . SENT Wires NNS are VBP always RB full JJ of IN electrons NNS all DT metals NNS are VBP . SENT The DT electrons NNS act VVP like IN a DT substance NN . SENT Electrical JJ energy NN is VBZ waves NNS THAT WDT travel VVP through IN the DT substance NN . SENT This DT topic NN is VBZ confusing VVG because IN some DT books NNS tell VVP you PP that IN the DT electrons NNS ARE VBP the DT electrical JJ energy NN . SENT Those DT books NNS are VBP simply RB wrong JJ . SENT Here RB are VBP some DT similar JJ questions NNS which WDT might MD help VV to TO clarify VV things NNS . SENT When WRB I PP pull VVP on IN a DT long JJ cable NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT other JJ end NN move NN at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT When WRB I PP push VVP upon IN a DT stick NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT other JJ end NN move NN too RB . SENT When WRB I PP pour VVP water NN into IN a DT bathtub NN , , why WRB does VVZ the DT water NN level NN rise NN everywhere RB at IN the DT same JJ time NN . SENT When WRB I PP blow VV air NN into IN a DT balloon NN , , why WRB does VVZ every DT part NN of IN the DT entire JJ balloon NN get VV larger JJR . SENT How WRB can MD sound VV move NN fast RB , , even RB though IN the DT wind NN moves VVZ slow JJ . SENT Electrical JJ energy NN can MD move VV quickly RB along IN a DT column NN of IN electrons NNS inside IN a DT wire NN , , even RB though IN the DT electrons NNS themselves PP move VVP slowly RB . SENT ALL DT METALS NNS ARE VBP ALWAYS RB FULL JJ OF IN ELECTRONS NNS . SENT Wires NNS are VBP like IN pipes NNS , , but CC these DT pipes NNS are VBP always RB filled VVN with IN water NN all RB the DT time NN . SENT If IN something NN pushes VVZ the DT electrons NNS forward RB into IN one CD end NN of IN a DT wire NN , , all RB of IN the DT electrons NNS in IN the DT entire JJ wire NN will MD try VV to TO move VV forwards RB , , and CC energy NN appears VVZ at IN the DT other JJ end NN almost RB instantly RB . SENT It's NNS just RB like IN pushing VVG on IN the DT end NN of IN a DT stick NN . SENT the DT whole JJ stick NN moves NNS forward RB , , even RB if IN the DT stick NN is VBZ very RB very RB long JJ . SENT If IN you PP form VVP the DT wire NN into IN a DT circle NN , , then RB the DT electron NN stuff NN in IN the DT wire NN can MD act VV like IN a DT drive NN belt NN . SENT If IN you PP force VVP the DT electrons NNS in IN the DT circle NN of IN wire NN to TO move NN , , ALL PDT the DT electrons NNS must MD flow VV in IN a DT circle NN just RB like IN a DT moving VVG drive NN belt NN . SENT This DT is VBZ true JJ even RB if IN the DT drive NN belt NN circle NN is VBZ miles NNS across IN . SENT So IN let's NNS get VVP back RB to TO our PP$ original JJ question NN . SENT The DT question NN is VBZ the DT same JJ as IN this DT one NN . SENT HOW WRB CAN MD A DT DRIVE NN BELT NN MOVE NN SLOWLY RB ACROSS IN THE DT PULLEYS NNS , , YET CC IT PP STILL RB DELIVERS VVZ MECHANICAL JJ ENERGY NN ALMOST RB INSTANTLY RB FROM IN PULLEY NN TO TO PULLEY NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Why WRB do VV electric JJ outlets NNS have VHP three CD holes NNS . SENT ANSWER VV BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP A DT BATTERY NN LIGHTS NNS A DT BULB NN . SENT WHAT'S NNS GOING VVG ON RP THERE RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB IS VBZ VOLTAGE NN NOT RB ELECTRICAL JJ PRESSURE NN . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ Potential JJ , , and CC potential NN is VBZ not RB pressure NN , , even RB though IN a DT potential JJ difference NN can MD push VV upon IN the DT electrical JJ charges NNS . SENT Here's NNS one CD way NN to TO imagine VV it PP . SENT Suppose VV we PP roll VV a DT boulder NN up IN a DT hill NN . SENT This DT stores NNS potential JJ energy NN , , and CC we PP get VVP the DT energy NN back RB if IN the DT boulder NN rolls VVZ back RB down RB . SENT Electrostatic JJ fields NNS are VBP like IN gravity NN , , and CC VOLTAGE NN IS VBZ LIKE IN THE DT HEIGHT NN OF IN THE DT HILL NN . SENT The DT higher JJR we PP go VVP , , the DT more RBR gravitational JJ potential NN we PP put VVD into IN the DT boulder NN . SENT But CC height NN is VBZ not RB pressure NN , , and CC the DT hill NN is VBZ still RB there RB even RB when WRB the DT boulder NN is VBZ gone VVN . SENT In IN a DT similar JJ way NN , , we PP need VVP both DT voltage NN and CC charges NNS before IN there EX can MD be VB any DT electrical JJ pressure NN . SENT The DT voltage NN only RB causes VVZ a DT push NN when WRB the DT charges NNS are VBP present JJ . SENT Voltage NN can MD appear VV in IN space NN , , but CC if IN there EX are VBP no DT charges NNS , , then RB no DT pushing VVG force NN or CC pressure NN exists VVZ . SENT This DT is VBZ very RB different JJ than IN , , say VV , , water NN pressure NN . SENT Water NN can MD push VV on IN the DT surface NN of IN a DT submarine NN , , but CC the DT pressure NN doesn't NN go VV away RB when WRB there's RB no DT submarine JJ present NN . SENT With IN voltage NN , , the DT pressure NN DOES VVZ go VV away RB , , so IN voltage NN is VBZ not RB exactly RB like IN a DT physical JJ pressure NN . SENT Also RB see VV . SENT What WP is VBZ voltage NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP How WRB are NN Watts NP different JJ than IN Amps NNS . SENT Amps NNS and CC Watts NP are VBP not RB the DT same JJ , , because IN charge NN is VBZ not RB energy NN . SENT Huh NP . SENT It's NNS because IN Amps NNS are VBP a DT measure NN of IN the DT flow NN rate NN of IN charge NN , , while IN Watts NP are VBP a DT measure NN of IN the DT flow NN rate NN of IN energy NN . SENT Watts NNS are VBP a DT measure NN of IN energy NN flow NN , , and CC a DT watt NN is VBZ just RB a DT shorthand NN name NN for IN Joules NNS of IN energy NN per IN second JJ . SENT Keep VV in IN mind NN that IN Watts NP are VBP not RB like IN a DT stuff NN , , watts NNS do VVP not RB flow VV , , watts NNS are VBP a DT measurement NN of IN the DT flow NN of IN something NN else RB . SENT electrical JJ energy NN . SENT Joules NNS of IN electrical JJ energy NN can MD flow VV along RP , , and CC their PP$ rate NN of IN flow NN is VBZ called VVN Watts NP . SENT If IN you PP have VHP twenty CD Joules NNS of IN energy NN flowing VVG in IN a DT circuit NN per IN second JJ , , then RB that's NNS a DT flow NN of IN twenty CD Joules NNS second JJ , , also RB called VVD twenty CD Watts NP . SENT Maybe RB it PP would MD be VB less RBR confusing JJ if IN we PP stopped VVD using VVG the DT word NN watts NNS entirely RB , , and CC just RB said VVD joules NNS per IN second RB all PDT the DT time NN . SENT Amperes NNS are VBP a DT measure NN of IN charge NN flow NN , , and CC an DT amp NN is VBZ just RB a DT shorthand NN name NN for IN Coulombs NNS of IN charge NN flowing VVG per IN second JJ . SENT Keep VV in IN mind NN that IN Amps NNS are VBP not RB like IN a DT stuff NN , , amps NNS do VVP not RB flow VV , , amps NNS are VBP a DT measurement NN of IN the DT flow NN of IN something NN else RB . SENT Coulombs NNS of IN charge NN can MD flow VV along RB inside RB of IN wires NNS , , and CC their PP$ rate NN of IN flow NN is VBZ called VVN Amps NNS . SENT If IN you PP have VHP twenty CD Coulombs NNS of IN charge NN flowing VVG in IN a DT circuit NN per IN second JJ , , then RB that's NNS a DT flow NN of IN twenty CD Coulombs NNS second JJ , , also RB called VVD twenty CD Amps NNS . SENT Another DT way NN to TO think VV about IN it PP . SENT In IN power NN lines NNS and CC in IN AC NP cords NNS , , amps NNS are VBP a DT wiggling VVG flow NN , , while IN watts NNS are VBP a DT one CD way NN flow NN . SENT The DT charge NN within IN an DT AC NP wire NN is VBZ alternating VVG , , or CC wiggling VVG back RB and CC forth RB while IN sitting VVG in IN place NN . SENT The DT back NN and CC forth RB wiggling VVG is VBZ measured VVN in IN terms NNS of IN amperes NNS . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , electrical JJ energy NN in IN an DT AC NP cord NN does VVZ not RB wiggle NN , , and CC it PP does VVZ not RB sit VV in IN place NN . SENT Instead RB it PP flows VVZ from IN the DT source NN to TO the DT load NN at IN almost RB the DT speed NN of IN light NN . SENT This DT fast JJ energy NN flow NN is VBZ measured VVN in IN terms NNS of IN Watts NP . SENT Also RB see VV . SENT Charge NP vs NP . SENT Energy NP , , two CD things NNS are VBP flowing VVG BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What WDT is VBZ Electric NP Charge NP . SENT Problems NNS defining VVG charge NN Charge NP , , Net NP Charge NP , , and CC Current JJ If IN Electricity NP means VVZ charge NN . SENT . SENT . SENT The DT simple JJ , , very RB brief JJ answer NN . SENT CHARGE NN is VBZ the DT stuff NN that WDT flows VVZ during IN an DT electric JJ current NN . SENT CHARGE NN is VBZ not RB energy NN , , instead RB it PP is VBZ a DT component NN of IN all DT everyday JJ matter NN . SENT All DT atoms NNS are VBP made VVN of IN positive JJ charges NNS , , negative JJ charges NNS , , and CC a DT few JJ other JJ things NNS . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What's NP the DT difference NN between IN AC NP and CC DC NP . SENT This DT answer NN is VBZ about RB the DT letters NNS AC NP and CC DC NP . SENT If IN you PP want VVP to TO know VV about IN Alternating VVG Current JJ , , see VVP above IN AC NP originally RB meant VVD Alternating VVG Current JJ , , while IN D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT meant VVN direct JJ current NN . SENT Over IN the DT years NNS the DT meanings NNS have VHP changed VVN . SENT AC NP has VHZ come VVN to TO mean VV vibrating VVG electrical JJ signals NNS . SENT For IN example NN . SENT AC NP is VBZ vibration NN , , DC NP is VBZ flow NN AC NP is VBZ dynamics NNS , , DC NP is VBZ statics NN AC NP is VBZ like IN sound NN , , DC NP is VBZ like IN wind NN AC NP is VBZ like IN ocean NN waves NNS , , DC NP is VBZ like IN rivers NNS AC NP moves NNS back RB and CC forth RB like IN a DT piston NN , , DC NP moves VVZ continuously RB forward RB , , like IN a DT drive NN belt NN . SENT If IN you PP hear VVP people NNS talking VVG about IN AC NP voltage NN , , you PP need VVP to TO realize VV that IN they PP are VBP not RB saying VVG alternating VVG current JJ voltage NN . SENT Instead RB they PP are VBP saying VVG vibrating VVG voltage NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP How WRB can MD we PP convert VV AC NP into IN DC NP , , and CC vice NN versa FW . SENT To TO convert VV AC NP to TO DC NP , , we PP can MD use VV an DT electrical JJ ratchet NN which WDT only RB allows VVZ the DT charges NNS to TO move VV in IN one CD direction NN . SENT These DT ratchets NNS are VBP called VVN Diodes NNS or CC Rectifiers NNS . SENT They PP act VVP like IN a DT one CD way NN valve NN for IN flowing VVG charges NNS in IN wires NNS . SENT To TO change VV the DT vibrations NN of IN AC NP into IN one CD way NN DC NP , , just RB add VV a DT diode NN to TO the DT circuit NN . SENT Or CC , , if IN you PP need VVP a DT device NN which WDT takes VVZ in IN AC NP and CC spits NNS out IN DC NP , , then RB hook NN four CD diodes NNS together RB this DT is VBZ called VVN a DT full JJ wave NN bridge NN rectifier NN . SENT Converting VVG DC NP to TO AC NP is VBZ more RBR difficult JJ . SENT Some DT sort NN of IN electrical JJ wiggler NN is VBZ required VVN . SENT The DT circuit NN is VBZ not RB simple JJ , , and CC must MD contain VV transistors NNS or CC other JJ types NNS of IN electronic JJ switching NN . SENT This DT type NN of IN device NN is VBZ called VVN a DT DC NP to TO AC NP inverter NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What WDT happens VVZ during IN a DT static JJ shock NN . SENT It's NNS painful JJ to TO get VV zapped VVN by IN the DT car NN door NN . SENT What WP exactly RB is VBZ going VVG on RP . SENT Most JJS of IN the DT interesting JJ phenomenon NN during IN a DT static JJ shock NN cannot NN be VB seen VVN by IN humans NNS . SENT they're NN either CC invisible JJ , , or CC they're RB microscopic JJ . SENT First RB , , the DT imbalance NN of IN surface NN charges NNS on IN a DT human JJ body NN are VBP totally RB invisible JJ . SENT No DT matter NN how WRB long RB you PP scuff VV your PP$ shoes NNS on IN a DT rug NN , , you PP cannot NN build VV up RP enough JJ charge NN to TO change VV your PP$ skin NN color NN . SENT After IN all DT , , your PP$ body NN is VBZ already RB made VVN of IN charge NN made VVN of IN protons NNS and CC electrons NNS , , and CC even RB the DT strongest JJS surface NN charge NN is VBZ just RB a DT teacup NN in IN the DT ocean NN when WRB compared VVN to TO the DT charge NN which WDT is VBZ already RB there RB . SENT Besides IN the DT invisible JJ charges NNS on IN your PP$ skin NN , , the DT volume NN of IN space NN around IN your PP$ body NN becomes VVZ filled VVN by IN an DT invisible JJ electric JJ field NN . SENT This DT is VBZ where WRB the DT electrical JJ energy NN is VBZ stored VVN . SENT This DT field NN is VBZ very RB much JJ like IN the DT invisible JJ field NN surrounding VVG a DT magnet NN , , but CC in IN this DT case NN it's NNS an DT electric JJ field NN rather RB than IN a DT magnetic JJ field NN . SENT The DT field NN sprays NNS outwards RB from IN your PP$ entire JJ body NN surface NN , , then RB the DT flux NN lines NNS arc VV downwards RB to TO meet VV the DT floor NN . SENT They PP also RB bend VV around RP to TO meet VV the DT surface NN of IN any DT nearby JJ metal NN objects NNS such JJ as IN a DT car NN . SENT The DT field NN concentrates VVZ itself PP on IN the DT pointy JJ parts NNS of IN your PP$ body NN . SENT fingers NNS , , elbows NNS , , ears NNS , , nose NN , , the DT top NN of IN your PP$ head NN , , etc FW . SENT If IN the DT floor NN is VBZ slightly RB conductive JJ , , or CC if IN you've NNS been VBN scuffing VVG on IN the DT carpet NN , , then RB much RB of IN the DT field NN collects VVZ under IN your PP$ feet NNS . SENT The DT field NN lines NNS connect VVP with IN the DT charges NNS on IN your PP$ skin NN surface NN , , and CC the DT other JJ end NN of IN these DT lines NNS connect VVP with IN opposite JJ charges NNS in IN the DT floor NN and CC surrounding VVG conductors NNS . SENT If IN there RB weren't NN any DT imbalanced JJ charges NNS in IN those DT other JJ surfaces VVZ , , your PP$ charged VVN body NN will MD create VV them PP by IN induction NN , , by IN pushing VVG away RB alike RB surface VV charges NNS while IN attracting VVG opposite JJ charges NNS . SENT As IN you PP reach VVP for IN a DT metal NN object NN such JJ as IN a DT car NN door NN , , the DT e NN field NN becomes VVZ concentrated VVN at IN the DT ends NNS of IN your PP$ fingers NNS , , and CC an DT intense JJ patch NN of IN opposite JJ surface NN charge NN begins VVZ to TO gather VV on IN the DT car NN near IN your PP$ hand NN . SENT The DT total JJ energy NN becomes VVZ slightly RB less JJR as IN your PP$ hand NN approaches NNS . SENT When WRB your PP$ fingers NNS are VBP close RB enough JJ to TO the DT door NN handle VV , , a DT spark NN jumps VVZ . SENT Or CC in IN other JJ words NNS , , the DT intense JJ electric JJ field NN in IN the DT space NN between IN your PP$ fingers NNS and CC the DT metal NN handle VVP will MD tear VV the DT air NN molecules NNS apart RB . SENT First RB the DT field NN stretches VVZ the DT molecules NNS by IN attracting VVG their PP$ alike RB charges NNS while IN repelling VVG the DT unlike JJ ones NNS . SENT Then RB finally RB an DT electron NN pulls VVZ loose RB from IN one CD molecule NN . SENT This DT electron NN takes VVZ off RP at IN extremely RB high JJ speed NN , , driven VVN by IN the DT e NN field NN . SENT It PP quickly RB strikes VVZ another DT air NN molecule NN , , which WDT liberates VVZ more JJR electrons NNS , , which WDT then RB repeat VV the DT process NN . SENT It PP resembles VVZ a DT landslide NN , , where WRB one CD pebble NN strikes VVZ another DT , , freeing VVG it PP to TO strike VV others NNS . SENT This DT electron NN avalanche NN glows VVZ violet NN , , since IN some DT electrons NNS are VBP recaptured VVN by IN air NN molecules NNS , , and CC they PP emit VV violet NN light NN typical JJ of IN ionized VVN nitrogen NN oxygen NN mixtures NNS . SENT Some DT of IN the DT light NN is VBZ ultraviolet JJ , , and CC this DT light NN knocks VVZ electrons NNS off IN neighboring JJ air NN molecules NNS . SENT Also RB , , the DT region NN of IN space NN that's NNS filled VVN with IN electrons NNS and CC positive JJ ions NNS is VBZ a DT conductor NN , , a DT plasma NN , , and CC so RB it PP distorts VVZ the DT flux NN lines NNS of IN the DT electric JJ field NN . SENT Plasmas NNS typically RB take VVP the DT shape NN of IN a DT long JJ filament NN , , a DT lightning NN leader NN , , since IN the DT tip NN of IN the DT plasma NN filament NN is VBZ somewhat RB sharp JJ , , and CC it PP causes VVZ the DT e NN field NN to TO concentrate VV there RB which WDT promotes VVZ faster JJR creation NN of IN plasma NN . SENT The DT electron NN avalanche NN and CC the DT plasma NN filament NN can MD start VV out RP on IN the DT car NN door NN , , then RB reach VV outwards NNS toward IN your PP$ fingers NNS . SENT Or CC it PP can MD start VV out RP on IN your PP$ fingers NNS and CC leap NN towards IN the DT door NN . SENT Or CC it PP can MD be VB triggered VVN by IN dust NN motes NNS in IN the DT space NN between IN the DT two CD , , and CC then RB leap VV in IN both DT directions NNS . SENT Charge NN polarity NN doesn't NN make VVP too RB much JJ difference NN , , and CC the DT visible JJ leaping VVG of IN sparks NNS is VBZ NOT RB a DT motion NN of IN charges NNS , , it's NNS not RB a DT visible JJ current NN . SENT Instead RB it's NNS an DT outbreak NN of IN glowing JJ plasma NN , , and CC this DT outbreak NN can MD go VV in IN either DT direction NN . SENT Finally RB the DT plasma NN filament NN touches NNS your PP$ finger NN and CC the DT car NN door NN . SENT It's NP a DT conductor NN with IN a DT typical JJ resistance NN of IN a DT few JJ tens NNS of IN ohms NNS . SENT This DT conductor NN EXPLODES VVZ . SENT It PP has VHZ shorted VVN out RP the DT capacitor NN plates NNS formed VVN by IN your PP$ body NN and CC the DT metal NN car NN . SENT The DT e NN field NN in IN the DT space NN between IN you PP and CC the DT car NN then RB collapses VVZ inwards NN towards IN the DT spark NN . SENT Electrical JJ energy NN that WDT was VBD in IN the DT space NN near IN your PP$ hand NN is VBZ flowing VVG inwards RB towards IN the DT spark NN . SENT Energy NN doesn't NN flow NN across IN the DT spark NN , , instead RB the DT energy NN behaves VVZ like IN a DT cylinder NN shape NN that WDT surrounds VVZ the DT spark NN and CC shrinks VVZ inwards RB . SENT A DT huge JJ electric JJ current NN appears VVZ in IN the DT spark NN , , and CC temperatures NNS in IN the DT air NN and CC in IN the DT dead JJ skin NN surrounding VVG your PP$ salty JJ conductive JJ flesh NN rise NN to TO immense JJ values NNS . SENT The DT air NN emits VVZ sound JJ and CC bright JJ light NN , , while IN your PP$ dead JJ skin NN is VBZ cooked VVN or CC even RB vaporized VVN by IN the DT electrical JJ energy NN pouring VVG into IN the DT spark NN . SENT The DT pain NN you PP experience VVP is VBZ not RB necessarily RB electrical JJ , , it's NNS similar JJ to TO having VHG your PP$ finger NN poked VVD by IN a DT white JJ hot JJ needle NN . SENT If IN you PP grasp VVP a DT metal NN coin NN or CC some DT keys NNS , , and CC let VV the DT spark NN jump NN to TO the DT metal NN , , you'll JJ feel VVP almost RB nothing NN . SENT The DT metal NN prevents VVZ the DT burn VVP while IN doing VVG little RB to TO stop VV the DT current JJ . SENT Painful JJ finger NN sparks NNS can MD measure VV a DT few JJ amperes NNS , , but CC they PP only RB last JJ for IN a DT hundredth JJ of IN a DT microsecond NN . SENT The DT worst JJS ones NNS can MD range VV up RP to TO many JJ tens NNS of IN amperes NNS , , with IN peak NN energy NN flow NN up RB in IN the DT megawatts NNS . SENT But CC these DT sparks VVZ last JJ for IN incredibly RB brief JJ times NNS . SENT Your PP$ nervous JJ system NN only RB responds VVZ on IN time NN scales NNS of IN a DT tenth NN or CC a DT hundredth JJ of IN a DT second NN . SENT Your PP$ nervous JJ system NN blurs VVZ the DT energy NN and CC charge NN flows NNS , , and CC it PP thinks VVZ that IN the DT wattage NN and CC current JJ of IN the DT spark NN is VBZ roughly RB a DT million CD times NNS weaker JJR than IN it PP actually RB is VBZ . SENT Hurts VVZ though RB . SENT For IN more JJR info NN about IN the DT typical JJ human JJ finger NN sparks NNS used VVN by IN manufacturers NNS for IN stress NN testing VVG new JJ appliances NNS , , search NN for IN HBM NN or CC Human NP Body NP Model NP . SENT Google NP . SENT ESD NP , , HBM NN , , CDM NP , , MM NP ENGINEERING NN VERSION NN BELOW RB , , some DT crude JJ rule NN of IN thumb NN figures NNS . SENT A DT typical JJ tiny JJ spark NN , , too RB small JJ to TO see VV . SENT Human JJ body NN capacitance NN to TO ground NN . SENT 100 CD pF NP , , 1 CD e SYM 10 CD farads NNS Body's NP potential NN to TO ground NN . SENT 400 CD volts NNS Stored VVD energy NN . SENT U NP 1 CD 2 CD C NP V NN 2 CD 8 CD e SYM 6 CD J NP , , eight CD microjoules NNS Arc JJ resistance NN . SENT R SYM 100 CD ohms NNS Discharge NN time NN constant JJ . SENT Tc NP R NP C $ 100 CD 1 CD e SYM 10 CD 10 CD nanoseconds NNS Peak NP current NN . SENT Ip NP V NN R NP 400 CD 1000 CD 4 CD amperes NNS Peak NP wattage NN . SENT W NP U NP Tc NP 8 CD e SYM 6 CD 1 CD e SYM 8 CD 800 JJ watts NNS Worst JJS case NN zap NN . SENT touching JJ metal NN inside IN a DT truck NN in IN the DT winter NN after IN sliding VVG across IN the DT long JJ bench NN seat NN . SENT Human JJ body NN capacitance NN to TO ground NN . SENT 300 CD pF NP , , 3 CD e SYM 10 CD farads NNS Body's NP potential NN to TO ground NN . SENT 30 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS Stored VVD energy NN . SENT U NP 1 CD 2 CD C NP V NN 2 CD . SENT 14 CD joules NNS Arc JJ resistance NN . SENT R SYM 100 CD ohms NNS Discharge NN time NN constant JJ . SENT Tc NP R NP C $ 300 CD 1 CD e SYM 10 CD 30 CD nanoseconds NNS Peak NP current NN . SENT Ip NP V NN R NP 30000 CD 100 CD 300 CD amperes NNS Peak NP wattage NN . SENT W NP U NP Tc NP . SENT 14 CD 3 CD e SYM 8 CD 4 CD . SENT 5 CD e SYM 6 CD 4 CD . SENT 5 CD megawatts NNS Notice NN the DT interesting JJ numbers NNS . SENT A DT tiny JJ spark NN is VBZ 800 CD watts NNS and CC four CD amps NNS . SENT But CC it PP only RB lasts VVZ for IN ten CD billionths NNS of IN a DT second JJ , , and CC the DT total JJ energy NN that WDT flows VVZ into IN the DT spark NN is VBZ very RB low JJ . SENT But CC if IN you PP slide VV your PP$ butt NN along IN a DT truck NN seat NN during IN a DT Michigan NP winter NN , , the DT energy NN is VBZ almost RB high JJ enough RB to TO stop VV your PP$ heart NN a DT tenth NN of IN a DT joule NN . SENT Also RB , , the DT four CD megawatts NNS peak JJ power NN looks VVZ very RB impressive JJ , , even RB though IN it PP only RB lasts VVZ for IN billionths NNS of IN a DT second JJ and CC does VVZ little JJ damage NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What WDT is VBZ Static JJ Electricity NP . SENT Static JJ electricity NN is VBZ NOT RB electricity NN which WDT is VBZ static JJ or CC unmoving VVG . SENT See VV Static JJ Electricity NP Misconceptions NNS Instead RB , , static JJ electricity NN is VBZ more RBR properly RB known VVN either RB as IN High JJ Voltage NN or CC charge NN imbalance NN . SENT We PP could MD also RB call VV it PP separated JJ electricity NN . SENT Interesting JJ things NNS only RB happen VV whenever WRB a DT large JJ amount NN of IN positive JJ charge NN is VBZ separated VVN from IN a DT large JJ amount NN of IN negative JJ charge NN , , and CC it PP doesn't VVD matter NN if IN the DT charges NNS are VBP moving VVG . SENT It's NP the DT separation NN or CC imbalance NN which WDT is VBZ important JJ . SENT The DT stillness NN or CC static JJ ness NN of IN the DT charge NN has VHZ nothing NN to TO do VV with IN it PP . SENT To TO learn VV something NN about IN separated JJ charge NN , , see VVP . SENT explaining VVG electricity NN with IN colored VVN plastic NN sheets NNS . SENT Suppose VV you PP rub VV a DT balloon NN upon IN your PP$ arm NN . SENT Hold VV it PP near IN your PP$ arm NN , , and CC your PP$ arm NN hair NN stands VVZ up RP . SENT You PP probably RB don't VVD realize VV that IN it PP requires VVZ around IN 100 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS to TO make VV your PP$ arm NN hair NN rise NN like IN that DT . SENT Rubbing VVG balloons NNS upon IN arms NNS can MD easily RB create VV 100 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS or CC even RB more RBR . SENT Also RB see VV . SENT Static JJ actually RB means VVZ high JJ voltage NN Static JJ electricity NN is VBZ NOT RB the DT opposite NN of IN electric JJ current NN . SENT Suppose VVP you PP have VHP some DT static JJ electricity NN on IN a DT wire NN , , and CC suppose VVP you PP use VVP a DT power NN supply NN to TO make VV it PP flow VV along RP . SENT What WP happens VVZ . SENT You'll NP find VVP that IN the DT wire NN still RB attracts VVZ lint NN . SENT It PP still RB can MD cause VV your PP$ hair NN stand NN on IN end NN . SENT It PP still RB creates VVZ sparks NNS and CC crackling NN noises NNS and CC purple JJ corona NN discharges NNS . SENT In IN fact NN , , all RB of IN the DT usual JJ static JJ effects NNS will MD continue VV , , even RB when WRB the DT electricity NN starts VVZ flowing VVG . SENT But CC how WRB can MD static JJ electricity NN flow NN along RB . SENT It's NP not RB static JJ anymore RB . SENT . SENT True UH , , but CC remember VV , , static JJ electricity NN is VBZ separated VVN opposite JJ charges NNS . SENT It's NP not RB electricity NN which WDT is VBZ static JJ . SENT As RB long RB as IN the DT positives NNS are VBP separated VVN from IN the DT negatives NNS , , all PDT the DT usual JJ electrostatic JJ effects NNS will MD continue VV . SENT Here's NP another DT way NN of IN saying VVG it PP . SENT flowing JJ charges NNS are VBP NOT RB the DT opposite NN of IN separated JJ charges NNS , , so RB static JJ electricity NN is VBZ not RB the DT opposite NN of IN electric JJ current NN . SENT Or CC say VV it PP like IN this DT . SENT voltage NN is VBZ not RB the DT opposite NN of IN current JJ , , and CC we PP can MD have VH static JJ and CC current JJ in IN the DT same JJ circuit NN because IN the DT true JJ name NN of IN static JJ is VBZ Voltage NN . SENT Have VHP you PP ever RB seen VVN a DT Wimshurst NP machine NN or CC a DT VandeGraaff NP generator NN . SENT Or CC a DT Topler NP Holtz NP device NN , , or CC any DT of IN the DT other JJ electrical JJ machines NNS invented VVN throughout IN the DT 1800 CD s PP . SENT Many JJ people NNS call VVP these DT by IN the DT name NN static JJ electric JJ generators NNS . SENT This DT isn't NN correct JJ . SENT These DT machines NNS are VBP meant VVN to TO produce VV high JJ voltage NN at IN low JJ current NN . SENT They PP are VBP mechanically RB driven VVN voltage NN generators NNS . SENT If IN you PP study VVP static JJ electricity NN , , you PP are VBP really RB studying VVG voltage NN itself PP . SENT Elementary JJ school NN textbooks NNS teach VVP us PP that IN there EX are VBP two CD different JJ kinds NNS of IN electricity NN . SENT current JJ electricity NN and CC static JJ electricity NN . SENT This DT is VBZ wrong JJ . SENT The DT textbooks NNS are VBP TRYING VVG to TO teach VV a DT very RB important JJ concept NN , , but CC the DT authors NNS don't NN understand VVP electricity NN enough RB to TO explain VV it PP . SENT The DT real JJ concept NN is VBZ this DT . SENT electricity NN has VHZ two CD main JJ characteristics NNS . SENT the DT electric JJ current JJ and CC the DT electric JJ voltage NN . SENT Whenever WRB you PP mess VV with IN static JJ electricity NN , , you PP are VBP actually RB playing VVG with IN pure JJ voltage NN . SENT Static JJ electricity NN gives VVZ us PP some DT hands NNS on IN experience NN with IN basic JJ voltage NN concepts NNS . SENT But CC K NP 6 CD grade NN textbooks NNS say VVP nothing NN about IN this DT . SENT Instead RB they PP tell VVP us PP that IN static JJ electricity NN is VBZ unmoving VVG charges NNS . SENT They PP convince VVP us PP that IN static JJ is VBZ just RB obsolete JJ Ben NP franklinish NN stuff NN . SENT ideas NNS which WDT are VBP only RB important JJ for IN explaining VVG dryer NN cling VVP and CC photocopiers NNS . SENT As IN a DT result NN , , we PP all RB learn VVP something NN about IN electric JJ current JJ , , but CC when WRB it PP comes VVZ to TO electric JJ voltage NN we PP haven't VVD the DT foggiest JJS notion NN . SENT So RB go VV take VV a DT look NN at IN What WP is VBZ Voltage NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What WDT voltage NN is VBZ considered VVN High JJ Voltage NN . SENT When WRB someone NN says VVZ high JJ voltage NN , , what WP do VVP they PP mean VVP . SENT Is VBZ 120 CD V NN high JJ voltage NN , , or CC is VBZ it PP low JJ . SENT There's RB no DT SINGLE JJ answer NN , , since IN the DT answer NN depends VVZ on IN the DT situation NN . SENT As RB far RB as IN human JJ safety NN is VBZ concerned JJ , , High JJ voltage NN is VBZ any DT voltage NN which WDT can MD injure VV or CC kill VV . SENT Some DT safety NN organizations NNS consider VVP 60 CD V NN to TO be VB dangerous JJ , , and CC everything NN above IN 60 CD V NN is VBZ called VVN high JJ voltage NN . SENT Others NNS put VVD the DT threshold NN at IN 40 CD V NN . SENT If IN you PP soak VV your PP$ skin NN with IN salt NN water NN and CC then RB solidly RB connect VV yourself PP to TO a DT DC NP circuit NN by IN grabbing VVG some DT metal NN bars NNS , , you PP can MD probably RB injure VV yourself PP with IN forty NN volts NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ another DT meaning NN for IN high JJ voltage NN . SENT any DT voltage NN which WDT can MD cause VV sparks NNS to TO jump VV through IN air NN . SENT The DT tinyest JJS sparks NNS begin VVP to TO be VB seen VVN at IN voltages NNS between IN 500 CD V NN and CC 700 CD V NN , , so RB anything NN above IN these DT values NNS can MD be VB considered VVN as IN high JJ voltage NN . SENT There EX is VBZ another DT safety NN issue NN . SENT at IN very RB high JJ voltage NN levels NNS you PP don't VVD have VH to TO touch VV the DT wires NNS to TO be VB electrocuted VVN , , instead RB a DT flaming JJ electric JJ arc NN can MD cross VV the DT air NN if IN you PP bring VVP your PP$ hand NN too RB close JJ . SENT Significant JJ sparks NNS become VVP a DT problem NN above IN voltages NNS of IN several JJ thousand CD volts NNS . SENT Electrical JJ workers NNS may MD consider VV 120 CD V NN to TO be VB low JJ voltage NN and CC even RB 220 CD V NN or CC 440 CD V NN is VBZ often RB called VVN low JJ voltage NN , , while IN the DT many JJ thousands NNS of IN volts NNS in IN outdoor JJ power NN lines NNS is VBZ far RB more RBR lethal JJ . SENT It PP requires VVZ workers NNS to TO use VV all DT sorts NNS of IN safety NN procedures NNS when WRB dealing VVG with IN live JJ circuits NNS . SENT In IN this DT case NN , , high JJ voltage NN is VBZ something NN over IN 1000 CD V NN or CC 2000 CD V NN or CC so RB . SENT Finally RB , , there EX is VBZ so RB called VVN static JJ electricity NN . SENT To TO create VV tiny JJ but CC visible JJ sparks NNS we PP need VVP at IN least JJS 1000 CD V NN . SENT To TO attract VV lint NN and CC to TO create VV painful JJ doorknob NN sparks VVZ we PP need VVP more JJR than IN several JJ thousand CD volts NNS . SENT To TO create VV hissing VVG crackling NN noises NNS and CC purple JJ corona NN discharges NNS from IN sharp JJ points NNS we PP need VVP even RB higher JJR voltages NNS . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , static JJ electricity NN involves VVZ High JJ Voltage NN at IN tens NNS of IN thousands NNS of IN volts NNS . SENT Don't NNS forget VVP . SENT a DT small JJ tabletop NN VandeGraaff NP machine NN can MD easily RB generate VV 50 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS . SENT Rubbing VVG a DT balloon NN on IN your PP$ arm NN hair NN can MD do VV the DT same JJ . SENT The DT larger JJR classroom NN style NN VDG NP machines NNS can MD approach VV one CD million CD volts NNS . SENT high JJ voltage NN by IN almost RB any DT definition NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Do VVP light JJ bulbs NNS consume VVP huge JJ energy NN when WRB first RB turned VVN on RP . SENT There EX is VBZ a DT myth NN going VVG around IN which WDT says VVZ we PP should MD leave VV our PP$ lights NNS on IN all PDT the DT time NN . SENT The DT myth NN says VVZ that IN , , if IN we PP turn VVP on IN our PP$ lights NNS , , this DT will MD consume VV a DT huge JJ amount NN of IN energy NN . SENT But CC it's NNS a DT myth NN . SENT You PP can MD prove VV this DT yourself PP . SENT Go VV outside RB and CC find VV the DT electric JJ utility NN meter NN . SENT See VV the DT little JJ wheel NN which WDT slowly RB turns VVZ . SENT OK UH , , now RB go VV indoors RB and CC turn VV off RP everything NN in IN your PP$ house NN including VVG the DT furnace NN and CC water NN heater NN . SENT Verify VV that IN the DT little JJ wheel NN has VHZ stopped VVN turning VVG . SENT Next JJ , , turn NN on IN a DT single JJ 100 CD watt NN light JJ bulb NN in IN your PP$ house NN , , then RB use VV a DT wristwatch NN to TO time VV how WRB long JJ it PP takes VVZ the DT wheel NN to TO rotate VV once RB . SENT This DT gives VVZ you PP a DT rough JJ idea NN of IN how WRB much JJ energy NN that IN light JJ bulb NN is VBZ using VVG every DT minute NN . SENT Now RB turn VV off RP the DT lamp NN . SENT Finally RB , , have VHP someone NN stand NN next JJ to TO the DT lamp NN while IN you PP stay VVP outside RB and CC watch VV the DT electric JJ meter NN . SENT When WRB you PP yell VV start NN , , have VH them PP turn VV on IN the DT lamp NN , , and CC at IN the DT same JJ time NN start NN timing VVG the DT little JJ wheel NN . SENT See VV how WRB long JJ it PP takes VVZ the DT wheel NN to TO make VV one CD complete JJ revolution NN when WRB the DT bulb NN has VHZ been VBN suddenly RB turned VVN on RP . SENT You PP timed VVD the DT wheel NN earlier RBR when WRB the DT bulb NN was VBD already RB running VVG normally RB , , not RB when WRB it PP was VBD suddenly RB turned VVN on RP . SENT You'll NP find VVP that IN it PP doesn't VVD matter NN much RB whether IN you PP turn VVP on IN a DT bulb NN and CC run VV it PP for IN a DT minute NN or CC so RB . SENT . SENT . SENT or CC whether IN you PP simply RB leave VVP the DT bulb NN on IN for IN the DT same JJ minute NN or CC so RB . SENT The DT wheel NN in IN the DT energy NN meter NN gives VVZ about IN the DT same JJ mesurement NN in IN both DT instances NNS , , proving VVG that IN light JJ bulbs NNS DON'T NN consume VVP vast JJ amounts NNS of IN energy NN when WRB first RB turned VVN on RP . SENT ON IN THE DT OTHER JJ HAND NN , , incandescent JJ light JJ bulbs NNS tend VVP to TO burn VV out RP when WRB first RB turned VVN on RP . SENT The DT sudden JJ heat NN will MD stretched VVD their PP$ filament NN , , and CC if IN the DT filament NN is VBZ about RB to TO break VV , , turning VVG it PP on IN can MD break VV it PP . SENT So RB , , if IN you PP leave VVP the DT lights NNS on IN all PDT the DT time NN , , you'll JJ pay NN for IN wasted VVN energy NN . SENT . SENT . SENT but CC if IN you PP turn VVP them PP on IN and CC off IN all PDT the DT time NN , , you'll RB shorten VV their PP$ lives NNS . SENT Which WDT is VBZ more RBR expensive JJ . SENT If IN you PP want VVP to TO get VV around RP this DT problem NN , , then RB install VV light JJ dimmers NNS in IN place NN of IN your PP$ wall NN switches NNS . SENT This DT avoids VVZ the DT sudden JJ stress NN of IN turn NN on IN , , and CC lets VVZ your PP$ incandescent JJ bulbs NNS last JJ longer RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Why WRB is VBZ Static JJ Electricity NP invisible JJ . SENT Whenever WRB we PP create VVP static JJ electricity NN more RBR accurately RB called VVN charge NN imbalance NN , , the DT imbalance NN of IN charge NN is VBZ very RB small JJ . SENT Compared VVN to TO the DT amount NN of IN electric JJ charge NN already RB inside IN everyday JJ matter NN , , the DT imbalance NN is VBZ too RB small JJ to TO make VV a DT difference NN . SENT Everyday JJ objects NNS contain VVP many JJ coulombs NNS of IN cancelled VVN out IN charge NN in IN every DT cubic JJ centimeter NN of IN their PP$ substance NN . SENT You PP could MD create VV a DT visible JJ change NN if IN you PP could MD add VV or CC remove VV a DT coulomb's NNS worth NN of IN charge NN . SENT However RB , , a DT typical JJ imbalance NN of IN charge NN is VBZ incredibly RB tiny JJ . SENT For IN example NN , , rubbing VVG a DT balloon NN upon IN your PP$ head NN involves VVZ millionths NNS of IN millionths NNS of IN coulombs NNS a DT decimal JJ point NN with IN twelve NN zeros NNS . SENT It's NP quite RB literally RB like IN a DT teaspoon NN of IN water NN added VVD or CC subtracted VVD from IN an DT ocean NN . SENT Pouring VVG a DT teaspoon NN of IN water NN into IN the DT ocean NN does VVZ not RB make VV the DT ocean NN look NN different JJ . SENT And CC if IN you PP rub VVP a DT balloon NN on IN your PP$ hair NN , , the DT surface NN of IN the DT balloon NN doesn't NN look VVP any DT different JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Why WRB is VBZ electricity NN visible JJ in IN sparks NNS , , but RB invisible JJ when WRB it's NNS inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT A DT spark NN is VBZ not RB electricity NN . SENT A DT spark NN is VBZ NITROGEN NN OXYGEN NN PLASMA NN . SENT Plasma NN is VBZ related VVN to TO fire VV . SENT The DT plasma NN is VBZ created VVN when WRB some DT high JJ voltage NN is VBZ present JJ . SENT High JJ voltage NN causes VVZ air NN molecules NNS to TO be VB torn VVN apart RB , , and CC as IN they PP hit VVD other JJ molecules NNS or CC fall VV back RB together RB , , they PP give VVP off RB light JJ . SENT Plasma NN is VBZ conductive JJ , , so RB once IN it PP has VHZ formed VVN between IN two CD wires NNS , , it PP joins VVZ the DT wires NNS together RB electrically RB , , and CC charges NNS can MD flow VV through IN it PP . SENT It PP might MD SEEM VV as RB if IN electricity NN has VHZ jumped VVN through IN the DT air NN . SENT In IN reality NN , , a DT glowing JJ wire NN has VHZ formed VVN , , and CC this DT wire NN is VBZ made VVN of IN plasma NN . SENT We PP can MD only RB see VV the DT plasma NN jump NN between IN the DT ends NNS of IN the DT wires NNS . SENT We PP cannot NN see VV the DT flowing VVG charges NNS or CC the DT electrical JJ energy NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP What's NP the DT difference NN between IN static JJ and CC current JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Why WRB does VVZ the DT electric JJ company NN bill NN us PP , , since IN it PP takes VVZ back RB all RB of IN the DT electrons NNS it PP gives VVZ us PP . SENT The DT electric JJ company NN does VVZ NOT RB sell VV electrons NNS . SENT Instead RB , , it PP only RB pumps NNS electrons NNS . SENT It PP pumps VVZ the DT movable JJ electrons NNS which WDT fill VVP the DT wires NNS . SENT The DT electrons NNS are VBP provided VVN by IN the DT atoms NNS of IN the DT copper NN . SENT You PP pay VVP for IN a DT pumping VVG service NN . SENT Also RB , , since IN power NN lines NNS use VVP AC NP , , the DT electrons NNS really RB don't JJ move NN much RB at IN all DT . SENT Instead RB they PP sit VVP in IN one CD place NN inside IN the DT wires NNS and CC vibrate VV back RB and CC forth RB . SENT It's NNS somewhat RB like IN sound NN . SENT the DT sound JJ waves NNS move VVP fast RB , , but CC the DT air NN molecules NNS just RB vibrate VV back RB and CC forth RB without IN flowing VVG forwards RB . SENT Imagine VV this DT . SENT if IN electric JJ motors NNS and CC generators NNS had VHD never RB been VBN invented VVN , , then RB the DT Power NP Company NP could MD use VV water NN instead RB . SENT The DT water NN would MD be VB inside IN a DT long JJ , , long JJ loop NN of IN hose NN , , and CC when WRB the DT Hydricity NP Company NP pumped VVD the DT water NN , , you PP could MD attach VV their PP$ hose NN to TO a DT water NN motor NN , , and CC the DT motor NN would MD turn VV . SENT The DT water NN inside IN the DT hose NN would MD serve VV as IN a DT long JJ drive NN belt NN . SENT The DT water NN would MD stay VV inside IN the DT circle NN of IN hose NN , , and CC it PP would MD be VB pumped VVN around IN the DT loop NN over RP and CC over RP again RB . SENT And CC when WRB you PP opened VVD the DT valve NN , , your PP$ motor NN would MD turn VV on IN instantly RB , , even RB though IN the DT water NN might MD be VB flowing VVG quite RB slowly RB . SENT When WRB you PP remove VV the DT blockage NN , , the DT whole JJ loop NN of IN water NN starts NNS flowing VVG at IN once RB . SENT Many JJ years NNS ago RB , , before IN motors NNS and CC generators NNS were VBD invented VVN , , power NN companies NNS used VVD leather NN drive NN belts NNS and CC rotating VVG drive NN shafts VVZ to TO send VV energy NN to TO their PP$ customers NNS . SENT This DT really RB happened VVN , , although IN their PP$ customers NNS were VBD not RB way NN out RP in IN the DT suburbs NNS . SENT Instead RB their PP$ customers NNS were VBD all RB in IN the DT same JJ area NN , , and CC the DT power NN company NN was VBD just RB a DT huge JJ steam NN engine NN in IN the DT middle NN of IN a DT factory NN . SENT Energy NN was VBD sent VVN to TO all DT of IN the DT factory NN machines NNS using VVG long JJ leather NN belts NNS and CC metal NN drive NN shafts NNS . SENT I PP guess VVP you PP could MD say VV that IN these DT old JJ factories NNS ran VVD on IN Mechanicity NN instead RB of IN Electricity NP . SENT Today NN we PP still RB use VVP steam NN engines NNS , , although IN they're NN powered VVN by IN nuclear JJ reactors NNS as RB well RB as IN coal NN or CC oil NN . SENT Electric JJ wires NNS and CC electric JJ motors NNS aren't VVD so RB incredible JJ , , they PP are VBP really RB just RB a DT way NN to TO hide VV the DT leather NN belts NNS that WDT connect VVP all RB the DT machines NNS to TO the DT distant JJ steam NN engine NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP When WRB electricity NN is VBZ sent VVN to TO homes NNS , , how WRB does VVZ it PP know VVP if IN no DT appliances NNS are VBP connected VVN . SENT Does VVZ it PP go VVP back RB to TO the DT generators NNS again RB . SENT Great JJ question NN . SENT And CC when WRB you PP say VVP electricity NN I'll NN assume VVP that IN you PP mean VVP electrical JJ energy NN . SENT Whenever WRB the DT electric JJ company NN sends VVZ electromagnetic JJ energy NN to TO your PP$ home NN , , and CC when WRB you PP don't VVD have VH any DT appliances NNS plugged VVD in IN , , something NN interesting JJ occurs VVZ . SENT The DT energy NN bounces VVZ . SENT It PP reflects VVZ from IN the DT open JJ ends NNS of IN the DT wires NNS and CC travels VVZ back RB to TO the DT big JJ generators NNS , , where WRB it's NNS automatically RB used VVN to TO keep VV them PP spinning JJ . SENT Because IN this DT occurs VVZ , , the DT generators NNS won't VVD slow VV down RP much RB . SENT And CC that WDT means VVZ the DT electric JJ company NN won't NN have VHP to TO burn VV much JJ fuel NN at IN all DT to TO keep VV the DT giant JJ rotors NNS going VVG . SENT But CC if IN you PP turn VVP on IN all PDT your PP$ lights NNS and CC run VV all PDT your PP$ appliances NNS , , then RB some DT of IN the DT energy NN stops VVZ bouncing VVG when WRB it PP gets VVZ to TO your PP$ house NN . SENT The DT big JJ generators NNS start VVP to TO slow VV down RP , , so RB more JJR fuel NN must MD be VB burned VVN to TO run VV the DT steam NN turbines NNS which WDT keeps VVZ the DT rotors NNS going VVG at IN their PP$ original JJ speed NN . SENT Here RB is VBZ another DT way NN to TO say VV the DT same JJ thing NN . SENT If IN you PP unplug VV all DT of IN your PP$ appliances NNS , , less JJR energy NN gets VVZ used VVN . SENT Isn't NP this DT cool NN . SENT I PP was VBD fairly RB amazed VVN to TO discover VV how WRB electricity NN REALLY RB works VVZ . SENT I PP learned VVD that IN the DT above JJ question NN is VBZ not RB nearly RB as RB silly JJ as IN most JJS educators NNS believe VVP . SENT In IN truth NN , , those DT big JJ electric JJ generators NNS can MD reach VV out RP through IN the DT wires NNS and CC FEEL VV YOUR PP$ APPLIANCES NNS . SENT The DT generators NNS know VVP what's NNS connected VVN . SENT Whenever WRB you PP plug VVP in IN a DT light JJ bulb NN , , the DT electric JJ company's NN generators NNS feel VVP it PP almost RB instantlu NN . SENT They PP feel VVP the DT extra JJ friction NN the DT electrical JJ friction NN , , not RB mechanical JJ . SENT Your PP$ light JJ bulb NN uses VVZ up RP some DT energy NN , , and CC this DT means VVZ that IN some DT of IN the DT energy NN DOESN'T NP get VVP reflected VVN back RB to TO the DT generators NNS . SENT As IN a DT result NN , , the DT generators NNS start VVP to TO slow VV down RP a DT bit NN , , and CC more JJR fuel NN must MD be VB burned VVN in IN order NN to TO prevent VV this DT . SENT By IN turning VVG on IN a DT light JJ bulb NN , , you PP can MD cause VV a DT distant JJ nuclear JJ reactor NN to TO eat VV more JJR U NP 235 CD , , or CC cause VV a DT coal NN fired VVD boiler NN to TO grind VV up RP a DT bit NN more JJR coal NN into IN powder NN for IN burning NN . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , when WRB you PP suddenly RB turn VV off RP a DT light NN , , you PP create VVP a DT dead JJ end NN in IN the DT energy NN system NN . SENT The DT energy NN that WDT was VBD sent VVN to TO your PP$ home NN starts NNS being VBG reflected VVN back RB to TO the DT big JJ generators NNS , , and CC it PP makes VVZ them PP spin VV a DT tiny JJ bit NN faster RBR . SENT The DT electric JJ company NN must MD then RB turn VV down RP the DT fires NNS which WDT run VVP the DT steam NN turbines NNS to TO keep VV the DT generators NNS from IN speeding VVG up RP . SENT They PP do VVP this DT quickly RB , , and CC the DT changes NNS in IN generator NN speed NN are VBP extremely RB tiny JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP HOW WRB DO VV LIGHT JJ BULBS NNS LIGHT JJ UP RP . SENT The DT filament NN inside IN a DT light JJ bulb NN is VBZ much RB thinner JJR than IN the DT wires NNS that WDT lead VVP up RP to TO the DT bulb NN . SENT The DT charges NNS flow VVP slowly RB in IN thick JJ wires NNS , , but CC they PP must MD flow VV fast RB in IN the DT thin JJ filament NN . SENT Charges NNS experience VVP a DT kind NN of IN electrical JJ friction NN , , and CC when WRB they PP flow VVP faster JJR , , more JJR heat NN appears VVZ . SENT This DT friction NN experienced VVN by IN the DT fast JJ charges NNS heats VVZ up RP the DT filament NN . SENT The DT same JJ kind NN of IN friction NN heats VVZ up RP all DT wires NNS , , but CC the DT charges NNS flow VVP slowly RB in IN thick JJ wires NNS , , so RB this DT heating NN is VBZ usually RB not RB enough JJ to TO even RB notice VV . SENT The DT same JJ kind NN of IN friction NN heats VVZ up RP the DT wires NNS inside RB of IN toasters NNS and CC electric JJ heaters NNS . SENT In IN that DT case NN , , the DT heating NN isn't NN enough RB to TO make VV the DT wires NNS glow NN WHITE JJ HOT NP like IN a DT light JJ bulb NN filament NN . SENT Instead RB they PP just RB glow NN red NN or CC orange NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB CAN MD BIRDS NNS LAND VV ON RP POWER NN LINES NNS WITHOUT IN HARM NN . SENT The DT charges NNS would MD rather RB go VV straight RB through IN the DT wire NN , , rather RB than IN taking VVG a DT detour NN through IN the DT bird NN . SENT Bird NN skin NN is VBZ a DT conductor NN , , but CC copper NN has VHZ thousands NNS of IN times NNS more JJR conductivity NN . SENT If IN a DT robot NN bird NN made VVN of IN metal NN landed VVD on IN a DT power NN line NN , , then RB there RB WOULD MD be VB charges NNS flowing VVG through IN the DT metal NN bird NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB ARE VBP HOUSEHOLD JJ ELECTRIC NP OUTLETS NNS AC NP . SENT WHY WRB NOT RB DC NP . SENT Two CD answers NNS . SENT wasted VVN energy NN , , and CC motor NN brush NN wear NN . SENT AC NP and CC DC NP are VBP not RB that IN different JJ . SENT If IN your PP$ electric JJ outlets NNS were VBD DC NP . SENT then RB light JJ bulbs NNS and CC electric JJ heaters NNS would MD still RB work VV fine NN . SENT Many JJ motors NNS would MD still RB work VV . SENT So IN what's NNS the DT big JJ deal NN . SENT DC NP motors NNS require VVP sliding VVG brushes NNS . SENT Unfortunately RB , , carbon NN brushes NNS wear VVP out RP . SENT If IN your PP$ fridge NN , , fans NNS and CC furnace NN contained VVN DC NP motors NNS , , you'd NNS have VHP to TO open VV them PP up RP about IN once RB a DT year NN to TO replace VV the DT worn JJ brushes NNS . SENT This DT would MD be VB even RB more RBR inconvenient JJ than IN replacing VVG light JJ bulbs NNS . SENT But CC what WP if IN someone NN invented VVD a DT special JJ kind NN of IN motor NN which WDT never RB needed VVD new JJ brushes NNS . SENT Nikola NP Tesla NN solved VVD the DT problem NN by IN inventing VVG the DT magnetic JJ vortex NN motor NN commonly RB known VVN as IN the DT AC NP Induction NN motor NN . SENT These DT motors NNS have VHP no DT brushes NNS to TO reverse VV the DT current JJ . SENT Instead RB they PP rotate VV because IN a DT magnetic JJ vortex NN pulls VVZ them PP along RP . SENT However RB , , these DT motors NNS require VVP AC NP . SENT Their PP$ operation NN is VBZ based VVN on IN AC NP electrical JJ waves NNS . SENT If IN you PP never RB want VVP to TO replace VV motor NN brushes NNS , , then RB you PP need VVP AC NP outlets NNS to TO run VV all DT of IN your PP$ brushless JJ Tesla NN motors NNS . SENT Second JJ answer NN . SENT Nikola NP Tesla NN discovered VVD how WRB to TO make VV cross NN country NN electrical JJ grids NNS possible JJ . SENT If IN electric JJ companies NNS use VVP AC NP , , then RB there EX is VBZ a DT simple JJ way NN to TO greatly RB reduce VV the DT electrical JJ friction NN in IN every DT cross NN country NN power NN line NN . SENT Just RB transport VV the DT energy NN at IN low JJ current JJ and CC extremely RB high JJ voltage NN . SENT It's NNS easy JJ to TO change VV low JJ voltage NN AC NP into IN high JJ voltage NN . SENT Just RB use VV a DT transformer NN . SENT a DT pair NN of IN electromagnet NN coils NNS . SENT But CC Transformers NNS require VVP AC NP . SENT If IN DC NP was VBD used VVN , , then RB either RB the DT cross NN country NN power NN lines NNS would MD be VB too RB expensive JJ they'd NN have VHP to TO be VB immensely RB thick JJ cables NNS , , or CC the DT electric JJ generators NNS would MD have VH to TO be VB built VVN right RB in IN your PP$ neighborhood NN . SENT With IN DC NP , , cities NNS would MD need VV thousands NNS of IN small JJ generators NNS instead RB of IN one CD huge JJ generator NN at IN a DT dam NN or CC nuclear JJ plant NN . SENT But CC WHY WRB does VVZ AC NP make VV a DT difference NN . SENT It's NNS because IN electrical JJ energy NN is VBZ made VVN of IN voltage NN and CC current JJ , , but CC only RB the DT current NN can MD waste VV energy NN by IN heating VVG up RP the DT cross NN country NN power NN lines NNS . SENT If IN we PP could MD convert VV the DT energy NN into IN high JJ voltage NN and CC low JJ current JJ , , then RB we PP could MD send VV it PP across IN hundreds NNS of IN miles NNS of IN thin JJ wire NN , , and CC the DT electrical JJ friction NN of IN the DT copper NN metal NN wouldn't NN absorb VV all PDT the DT energy NN . SENT Unfortunately RB , , electrical JJ generators NNS can't VVD directly RB produce VV a DT high JJ enough JJ voltage NN . SENT However RB , , there EX is VBZ a DT simple JJ device NN which WDT can MD . SENT It's NP called VVD the DT AC NP Transformer NN , , and CC it PP can MD convert VV low JJ voltage NN electrical JJ energy NN into IN high JJ voltage NN electrical JJ energy NN . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , it PP converts VVZ high RB current JJ into IN low JJ current NN . SENT If IN transformers NNS are VBP used VVN on IN both DT ends NNS of IN a DT long JJ power NN line NN , , then RB that IN power NN line NN can MD be VB hundreds NNS of IN miles NNS long JJ , , yet CC most JJS of IN the DT electrical JJ energy NN won't NN be VB absorbed VVN by IN the DT copper NN . SENT But CC transformers NNS only RB work VVP on IN AC NP . SENT They PP can't VVD change VV the DT voltage NN of IN DC NP . SENT And CC so RB electric JJ companies NNS use VVP Tesla's NP patents NNS . SENT low JJ voltage NN generators NNS with IN transformers NNS and CC high JJ voltage NN transmission NN lines NNS . SENT If IN we PP had VHD some DT other JJ simple JJ way NN of IN stepping VVG the DT voltage NN and CC current JJ up RB and CC down RB , , then RB maybe RB we PP could MD use VV DC NP instead RB . SENT DC NP works VVZ fine NN for IN running VVG motors NNS , , heaters NNS , , and CC light JJ bulbs NNS . SENT But CC if IN you PP want VVP to TO send VV electrical JJ energy NN through IN very RB long JJ wires NNS , , you PP need VVP the DT AC NP so IN you PP can MD convert VV it PP into IN high JJ voltage NN at IN low JJ current NN . SENT If IN the DT current NN is VBZ low JJ , , then RB the DT long JJ wires NNS won't NN get VVP hot JJ , , yet CC you PP still RB can MD send VV just RB as IN much JJ energy NN as IN when WRB the DT voltage NN is VBZ low JJ and CC the DT current NN is VBZ high JJ . SENT Some DT people NNS do VVP use VV DC NP electrical JJ outlets NNS . SENT Boats NNS and CC campers NNS frequently RB have VHP them PP . SENT People NNS living VVG off RP the DT grid NN , , using VVG solar JJ or CC hydro JJ power NN , , often RB use VVP DC NP instead RB of IN AC NP . SENT These DT people NNS have VHP nearby JJ generators NNS , , so RB they PP don't VVD have VH to TO send VV energy NN through IN very RB long JJ power NN lines NNS . SENT Some DT appliances NNS aren't VVD compatible JJ with IN both DT AC NP and CC DC NP , , so IN anyone NN who WP has VHZ DC NP outlets NNS instead RB of IN AC NP outlets NNS usually RB has VHZ to TO buy VV an DT entire JJ set NN of IN DC NP only JJ appliances NNS . SENT Also RB , , some DT electric JJ companies NNS use VVP DC NP cross NN country NN power NN lines NNS . SENT They PP do VVP this DT because IN high JJ voltage NN DC NP has VHZ less JJR energy NN loss NN than IN the DT equivalent JJ AC NP energy NN . SENT You PP see VVP , , high JJ voltage NN DC NP works VVZ better RBR , , it's NNS just RB very RB hard JJ to TO create VV it PP . SENT Electric JJ companies NNS use VVP gigantic JJ expensive JJ transistor NN devices NNS to TO convert VV DC NP into IN AC NP and CC AC NP into IN DC NP . SENT They PP mostly RB use VVP these DT specialized JJ DC NP high JJ voltage NN systems NNS for IN very RB long JJ cross NN country NN transmission NN lines NNS , , and CC also RB to TO connect VV between IN statewide JJ AC NP power NN grids NNS . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB DO VV BATTERIES NNS GET VV USED VVN UP RP AND CC GO VV DEAD JJ . SENT Batteries NNS are VBP chemically RB powered VVN charge NN pumps NNS . SENT They PP contain VVP fuel NN in IN the DT form NN of IN chemicals NNS these DT chemicals NNS are VBP usually RB metals NNS in IN the DT form NN of IN metal NN plates NNS . SENT When WRB the DT chemical NN fuel NN becomes VVZ exhausted VVN , , the DT battery NN has VHZ gone VVN dead JJ . SENT No DT chemicals NNS ever RB leave VVP the DT battery NN , , so RB what WP happens VVZ to TO the DT fuel NN . SENT It PP turns VVZ into IN waste NN products NNS . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT rechargeable JJ battery NN , , then RB you PP can MD recycle VV the DT waste NN products NNS . SENT By IN pumping VVG charges NNS backwards RB through IN the DT battery NN , , you PP force VVP the DT chemical JJ waste NN to TO turn VV back RB into IN fuel NN . SENT This DT is VBZ a DT bit NN like IN pumping VVG some DT exhaust NN into IN your PP$ car NN engine NN , , and CC having VHG gasoline NN come VVN out IN the DT other JJ end NN . SENT The DT chemical NN reactions NNS inside RB of IN rechargeable JJ batteries NNS are VBP REVERSIBLE JJ , , while IN the DT burning NN of IN gasoline NN is VBZ not RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP THE DT LIQUID NN BETWEEN IN A DT BATTERY'S NP PLATES NNS IS VBZ A DT GOOD JJ CONDUCTOR NN , , SO RB WHY WRB DOESN'T JJ IT PP SHORT JJ OUT IN THE DT BATTERY NN . SENT Batteries NNS are VBP chemically RB powered VVN charge NN pumps NNS which WDT create VVP voltage NN . SENT The DT location NN of IN the DT charge NN pump NN is VBZ on IN the DT surface NN of IN the DT battery NN plates NNS . SENT All DT batteries NNS contain VVP two CD charge NN pumps NNS . SENT one CD on IN each DT plate NN . SENT These DT are VBP called VVN the DT half NN cell NN reaction NN sites NNS . SENT In IN other JJ words NNS , , even RB a DT single JJ dry JJ cell NN actually RB contains VVZ two CD separate JJ cells NNS . SENT These DT cells NNS are VBP wired VVN in IN series NN , , so RB their PP$ voltages NNS add VVP together RB . SENT The DT surfaces VVZ of IN the DT metal NN plates NNS act VVP as IN the DT true JJ energy NN producing VVG batteries NNS . SENT The DT conductive JJ liquid JJ acts NNS as IN a DT wire NN . SENT It PP connects VVZ these DT two CD batteries NNS together RB . SENT So RB , , rather RB than IN being VBG a DT short JJ circuit NN , , the DT conductive JJ liquid NN is VBZ part NN of IN the DT battery's JJ internal JJ wiring NN , , it's NNS part NN of IN the DT complete JJ circuit NN . SENT If IN you PP really RB wanted VVD to TO short VV out RP the DT innards NN of IN a DT battery NN , , you PP would MD have VH to TO somehow RB di FW srupt JJ the DT thin JJ surface NN layers NNS of IN the DT battery NN plates NNS . SENT If IN part NN of IN those DT layers NNS were VBD destroyed VVN , , this DT would MD let VV the DT charges NNS on IN one CD side NN of IN the DT charge NN pump NN go VVP directly RB to TO the DT other JJ side NN without IN having VHG to TO flow VV through IN the DT battery's NNS outside IN terminals NNS . SENT And CC this DT is VBZ one CD reason NN that IN batteries NNS have VHP a DT shelf NN life NN . SENT it's NNS because IN part NN of IN the DT battery NN plates NNS stop VVP acting VVG like IN charge NN pumps NNS , , and CC in IN that DT case NN some DT charge NN does VVZ leak VV backwards RB across IN the DT pump NN , , causing VVG the DT battery NN to TO eventually RB go VV dead JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT WDT IS VBZ THIS DT COMPLETE JJ CIRCUIT NN STUFF NN ABOUT RB . SENT In IN order NN for IN charges NNS to TO flow VV continuously RB , , they PP must MD be VB within IN a DT circular JJ path NN . SENT Why WRB . SENT Because IN all DT wires NNS are VBP full JJ of IN charge NN , , and CC the DT charge NN cannot NN leave VVP the DT metal NN . SENT If IN you PP want VVP to TO push VV more JJR charge NN into IN one CD end NN of IN a DT wire NN , , the DT charge NN at IN the DT other JJ end NN must MD have VH some DT conductive JJ material NN to TO go VV into IN . SENT Connect VV a DT wire NN in IN a DT circle NN , , and CC the DT charge NN within IN the DT wire NN is VBZ able JJ to TO flow VV anywhere RB within IN the DT circle NN . SENT A DT circle NN of IN wire NN contains VVZ a DT sort NN of IN drive NN belt NN made VVD out RP of IN electric JJ charges NNS . SENT An DT open JJ circuit NN has VHZ a DT blockage NN made VVN of IN empty JJ space NN , , while IN a DT closed JJ circuit NN has VHZ a DT complete JJ circular JJ metal NN path NN with IN no DT blockages NNS . SENT If IN you PP break VVP the DT circuit NN , , this DT is VBZ the DT same JJ as IN grabbing VVG the DT drive NN belt NN so IN it PP cannot NN move NN . SENT For IN electric JJ circuits NNS to TO operate VV , , the DT electron NN drive NN belt NN inside IN the DT wires NNS must MD form VV a DT complete JJ circle NN with IN no DT air NN gaps NNS to TO put VV on IN the DT brakes NNS and CC halt VV the DT motion NN of IN the DT invisible JJ belt NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB DON'T NP AC NP MOTORS NNS WIGGLE VVP BACK RB AND CC FORTH RB . SENT WHY WRB DO VVP THEY PP RUN VVP FORWARD RB , , WHEN WRB THE DT CHARGES NNS IN IN THE DT WIRES NNS JUST RB WIGGLE VVP . SENT This DT was VBD Nikola NP Tesla's NP great JJ invention NN . SENT to TO use VV the DT vibrations NN of IN Alternating VVG Current JJ to TO create VV a DT rotating VVG magnetic JJ vortex NN , , then RB let VV the DT magnetic JJ vortex NN cause VV a DT hunk NN of IN metal NN to TO turn VV . SENT The DT rotating VVG magnetic JJ field NN sweeps NNS through IN the DT metal NN and CC drags VVZ it PP along RP . SENT These DT are VBP called VVN induction NN motors NNS . SENT There's RB also RB another DT way NN to TO do VV it PP . SENT Suppose VV we PP take VV a DT little JJ battery NN powered VVN motor NN and CC remove VV the DT magnets NNS . SENT Replace VV them PP with IN electromagnet NN coils NNS . SENT Connect VV the DT coils NNS and CC the DT motor's NNS rotor NN to TO AC NP . SENT Now RB whenever WRB the DT current NN reverses VVZ , , all RB of IN the DT magnetic JJ poles NNS in IN the DT motor NN reverse NN too RB , , and CC the DT motor NN still RB spins VVZ in IN the DT same JJ direction NN . SENT The DT N NP attracts VVZ the DT S NP , , but CC when WRB the DT current NN reverses VVZ direction NN , , the DT S NP now RB attracts VVZ the DT N NP , , and CC the DT motor NN still RB turns VVZ the DT same JJ . SENT If IN you PP feed VVP AC NP to TO that DT motor NN , , it PP will MD keep VV spinning VVG even RB though IN the DT direction NN of IN current JJ is VBZ flipping VVG back RB and CC forth RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT'S NP THE DT DIFFERENCE NN BETWEEN IN BIG JJ AND CC SMALL NP BATTERIES NNS . SENT In IN the DT USA NP , , the DT D NP cells NNS , , C NP cells NNS , , AA NN cells NNS , , and CC AAA NP cells NNS are VBP almost RB the DT same JJ except IN for IN the DT amount NN of IN chemicals NNS that IN they PP contain VVP . SENT The DT bigger JJR batteries NNS just RB last JJ longer RB . SENT Otherwise RB they PP are VBP exactly RB the DT same JJ 9 CD volt NN batteries NNS are VBP different JJ . SENT If IN we PP break VVP open VV a DT 9 CD volt NN battery NN , , we'll JJ find VVP six CD little JJ 1 CD . SENT 5 CD volt NN batteries NNS inside RB of IN it PP . SENT The DT same JJ is VBZ true JJ of IN 6 CD volt NN lantern NN batteries NNS . SENT Open VV up RP a DT 6 CD volt NN battery NN , , and CC you'll NN find VVP four CD 1 CD . SENT 5 CD volt NN batteries NNS inside RB . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB MUST NN BATTERIES NNS BE VB INSERTED VVN IN IN THE DT RIGHT JJ DIRECTION NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT'S NP THE DT DIFFERENCE NN BETWEEN IN POWER NN AND CC ENERGY NN . SENT Energy NP is VBZ a DT stuff NN that IN flows NNS , , while IN power NN is VBZ the DT rate NN of IN energy NN flow NN . SENT If IN energy NN were VBD like IN water NN , , then RB power NN would MD be VB the DT gallons NNS per IN second JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB CAN'T NP BATTERIES NNS ELECTROCUTE VV PEOPLE NNS . SENT They PP can MD . SENT But CC you'd JJ need NN lots NNS of IN batteries NNS . SENT Single JJ electric JJ cells NNS are VBP very RB safe JJ . SENT Everyday JJ batteries NNS are VBP safe JJ because IN their PP$ voltage NN is VBZ so RB low JJ . SENT First RB , , understand VVP that DT electrocution NN is VBZ not RB just RB caused VVN by IN electric JJ current NN . SENT Instead RB it PP is VBZ caused VVN by IN an DT electric JJ current NN inside IN your PP$ body NN . SENT Currents NNS themselves PP are VBP not RB dangerous JJ as RB long RB as IN the DT path NN for IN current JJ is VBZ through IN a DT wire NN . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ important JJ here RB , , but CC voltage NN is VBZ not RB dangerous JJ unless IN it PP causes VVZ a DT current JJ INSIDE IN your PP$ body NN . SENT Human JJ skin NN is VBZ electrically RB conductive JJ , , but CC it PP is VBZ not RB a DT good JJ conductor NN . SENT It PP takes VVZ about RB 40 CD volts NNS of IN electrical JJ pressure NN in IN order NN to TO create VV a DT dangerous JJ electric JJ current NN inside IN your PP$ flesh NN . SENT 40 CD volts NNS is VBZ the DT danger NN voltage NN . SENT Anything NN higher JJR than IN 40 CD V NN can MD shock VV you PP . SENT Fortunately RB , , most JJS batteries NNS are VBP way NN below IN 40 CD volts NNS most JJS are VBP below IN 12 CD volts NNS . SENT Batteries NNS lack VVP the DT pumping VVG force NN needed VVN to TO create VV dangerous JJ currents NNS in IN humans NNS . SENT Another DT way NN to TO say VV it PP . SENT our PP$ skin NN is VBZ insulating VVG enough RB to TO keep VV us PP safe JJ from IN batteries NNS , , but CC it PP cannot NN protect VV us PP against IN the DT high JJ voltage NN of IN a DT 120 CD V NN AC NP outlet NN . SENT Batteries NNS CAN MD electrocute VV people NNS if IN you PP connect VVP a DT large JJ number NN of IN batteries NNS in IN series NN . SENT Put VV a DT hundred CD D NP cells NNS in IN series NN , , and CC that WDT gives VVZ you PP 150 CD volts NNS , , which WDT is VBZ more JJR than IN enough RB to TO kill VV you PP if IN you PP touch VVP the DT wrong JJ wires NNS . SENT Batteries NNS CAN MD electrocute VV people NNS if IN the DT path NN of IN the DT current NN somehow RB goes VVZ through IN your PP$ skin NN . SENT For IN example NN , , if IN you PP made VVD some DT big JJ bloody JJ cuts NNS in IN your PP$ hands NNS , , then RB even RB a DT 6 CD V NN flashlight NN battery NN might MD kill VV you PP if IN you PP placed VVD those DT cuts NNS against IN the DT battery NN terminals NNS . SENT And CC if IN people NNS were VBD made VVN of IN metal NN , , then RB even RB a DT single JJ D NP cell NN would MD be VB dangerous JJ . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHY WRB ARE VBP TWO CD WIRES NNS NEEDED VVN . SENT I PP will MD answer VV this DT question NN with IN a DT question NN . SENT When WRB a DT circular JJ belt NN is VBZ passing VVG over IN two CD pulleys NNS , , why WRB are VBP two CD belts NNS needed VVD . SENT The DT answer NN . SENT THERE EX ARE VBP NOT RB TWO CD BELTS NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ only RB one CD belt NN , , and CC the DT belt NN is VBZ circular JJ . SENT It PP looks VVZ like IN there EX are VBP two CD belts NNS , , with IN one CD of IN them PP flowing VVG leftwards RB and CC the DT other JJ one NN flowing VVG right NN . SENT But CC in IN truth NN , , there EX is VBZ just RB one CD belt NN , , and CC it PP is VBZ rotating VVG . SENT So RB , , why WRB are VBP two CD wires NNS needed VVD . SENT The DT answer NN . SENT THERE EX ARE VBP NOT RB TWO CD WIRES NNS . SENT Instead RB there EX is VBZ only RB one CD wire NN , , but CC it PP is VBZ connected VVN in IN a DT circle NN . SENT All DT metals NNS are VBP full JJ of IN movable JJ electrons NNS , , so RB when WRB we PP connect VVP a DT wire NN in IN a DT circle NN , , we PP are VBP forming VVG a DT kind NN of IN electric JJ drive NN belt NN which WDT can MD move VV inside IN the DT wire NN . SENT But CC household JJ electric JJ outlets NNS have VHP THREE CD prongs NNS . SENT Yes UH , , but CC only RB two CD of IN them PP are VBP used VVN . SENT The DT third JJ one NN is VBZ only RB used VVN for IN safety NN purposes NNS . SENT See VV WHY WRB THREE CD PRONGS NNS BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT'S NP THE DT DIFFERENCE NN BETWEEN IN VOLTAGE NN AND CC CURRENT JJ . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ sort NN of IN like JJ electrical JJ pressure NN . SENT A DT current NN is VBZ a DT flow NN of IN electric JJ charge NN . SENT It's NNS best RBS to TO think VV of IN it PP like VVP this DT . SENT voltage NN CAUSES VVZ electric JJ current JJ , , just RB like IN water NN pressure NN causes VVZ water NN to TO flow VV . SENT You PP can MD have VH a DT voltage NN without IN a DT current JJ . SENT when WRB a DT battery NN is VBZ sitting VVG on IN a DT shelf NN , , it PP is VBZ creating VVG a DT voltage NN between IN its PP$ terminals NNS , , but CC there EX is VBZ no RB current JJ . SENT It's NNS like IN a DT force NN without IN a DT motion NN . SENT It's NNS like IN a DT pressurized VVN balloon NN , , but CC without IN any DT leaks NNS . SENT You PP can MD also RB have VH a DT current JJ without IN a DT voltage NN . SENT a DT ring NN of IN Superconductor NN can MD contain VV a DT loop NN of IN flowing VVG charge NN that WDT flows VVZ inside IN it PP forever RB . SENT It's NNS like IN frictionless JJ motion NN with IN no DT force NN needed VVD to TO keep VV it PP going VVG . SENT It's NNS like IN a DT flywheel NN which WDT keeps VVZ spinning VVG forever RB . SENT Voltage NN is VBZ associated VVN with IN electrostatic JJ fields NNS in IN space NN . SENT Whenever WRB you PP have VHP a DT voltage NN , , you PP also RB have VHP an DT electric JJ field NN . SENT Current JJ is VBZ associated VVN with IN magnetic JJ fields NNS in IN space NN . SENT Whenever WRB you PP have VHP an DT electric JJ current NN , , you PP also RB have VHP a DT magnetic JJ field NN . SENT Also RB see VV . SENT WHAT WP IS VBZ VOLTAGE NN . SENT VOLTAGE NN , , CURRENT JJ , , ENERGY NP BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP WHAT WDT IS VBZ ELECTRICAL JJ ENERGY NN . SENT WHAT WP DOES VVZ IT PP HAVE VHP TO TO DO VV WITH IN VOLTAGE NN AND CC CURRENT JJ . SENT Ooooo NP , , good JJ question NN . SENT It PP ties VVZ in IN with IN what WP is VBZ charge NN and CC what WP is VBZ electricity NN Here's NP the DT very RB briefest JJS answer NN . SENT Electrical JJ energy NN also RB called VVD electromagnetic JJ energy NN is VBZ made VVN of IN electric JJ fields NNS , , and CC also RB is VBZ made VVN of IN magnetic JJ fields NNS . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT bar NN magnet NN , , the DT invisible JJ stuff NN that WDT surrounds VVZ the DT magnet NN is VBZ the DT electrical JJ energy NN . SENT If IN you PP have VHP a DT charged VVN balloon NN , , the DT invisible JJ stuff NN that WDT surrounds VVZ the DT balloon NN is VBZ the DT electrical JJ energy NN . SENT If IN you PP have VHP an DT electric JJ circuit NN , , the DT energy NN can MD be VB found VVN in IN the DT invisible JJ fields NNS that WDT surround VVP the DT wires NNS . SENT Electrical JJ energy NN has VHZ two CD faces NNS . SENT magnetism NN and CC electricism NN magnetic JJ fields NNS and CC electrostatic JJ fields NNS . SENT Where WRB do VVP voltage NN and CC current JJ come VVP in IN . SENT Easy JJ . SENT the DT voltage NN is VBZ part NN of IN electric JJ fields NNS , , and CC the DT current NN is VBZ part NN of IN magnetic JJ fields NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , when WRB you PP have VHP a DT flow NN of IN charges NNS in IN a DT coil NN of IN wire NN , , a DT magnetic JJ field NN appears VVZ around IN the DT coil NN , , and CC energy NN is VBZ stored VVN in IN the DT magnetic JJ field NN . SENT Even RB if IN the DT wire NN is VBZ not RB wound VVN into IN a DT coil NN , , there EX is VBZ still RB a DT magnetic JJ field NN surrounding VVG the DT electric JJ current NN in IN the DT wire NN . SENT We PP could MD almost RB say VV that DT electric JJ current NN IS VBZ the DT energy NN , , since IN whenever WRB a DT current NN exists VVZ , , there EX MUST MD be VB a DT magnetic JJ field NN and CC there EX MUST MD be VB energy NN present NN in IN that DT field NN . SENT Almost RB , , but CC not RB quite RB , , since IN the DT energy NN is VBZ in IN the DT fields NNS and CC not RB in IN the DT flowing JJ charges NNS . SENT In IN a DT similar JJ way NN , , voltage NN is VBZ profoundly RB connected VVN with IN electric JJ fields NNS . SENT When WRB we PP charge VVP up RP a DT capacitor NN , , energy NN is VBZ stored VVN in IN the DT electrostatic JJ field NN between IN the DT capacitor NN plates NNS . SENT Even RB if IN no DT plates NNS are VBP present JJ , , the DT wires NNS of IN an DT electric JJ circuit NN will MD act VV like IN capacitor NN plates NNS , , and CC energy NN will MD be VB stored VVN in IN the DT voltage NN fields NNS that WDT surround VVP the DT wires NNS . SENT If IN we PP have VHP voltage NN , , then RB we PP MUST MD have VH an DT e NN field NN , , so RB we PP MUST MD have VH some DT electrical JJ energy NN present NN . SENT When WRB a DT battery NN powers NNS a DT light NN bulb NN , , where WRB is VBZ the DT energy NN flowing VVG . SENT Does VVZ it PP flow NN inside IN the DT wires NNS where WRB the DT current NN is VBZ located VVN . SENT Nope RB . SENT It PP flows VVZ in IN the DT space NN outside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT Here's NP a DT way NN to TO think VV about IN it PP . SENT Electrons NNS and CC protons NNS are VBP not RB particles NNS of IN energy NN they PP are VBP matter NN . SENT Electrons NNS and CC protons NNS can MD STORE VV energy NN . SENT Pull VV an DT electron NN away RB from IN a DT proton NN . SENT This DT requires VVZ energy NN . SENT Let VV the DT electron NN fall NN into IN the DT proton NN again RB , , and CC you PP get VVP the DT energy NN back RB again RB . SENT When WRB the DT electron NN is VBZ pulled VVN far RB from IN the DT proton NN , , does VVZ the DT electron NN change NN . SENT Nope RB . SENT If IN not RB , , then RB where WRB is VBZ the DT energy NN being VBG stored VVN . SENT In IN the DT fields NNS . SENT When WRB you PP pull VVP the DT electron NN away RB from IN the DT proton NN , , the DT electrostatic JJ fields NNS around IN them PP do VVP change NN . SENT they PP get VVP much RB bigger JJR . SENT Whenever WRB we PP use VVP electrons NNS and CC protons NNS to TO store VV energy NN , , the DT energy NN is VBZ actually RB stored VVN in IN the DT fields NNS in IN the DT space NN around IN them PP . SENT When WRB we PP put VVD electrical JJ energy NN into IN an DT electric JJ circuit NN , , do VVP the DT electrons NNS and CC protons NNS of IN the DT wires NNS become VVP energized VVN . SENT Do VV they PP change VV somehow RB . SENT No RB , , only RB the DT fields NNS surrounding VVG them PP change NN . SENT The DT fields NNS extend VVP outside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT The DT electrical JJ energy NN is VBZ out RB there RB , , outside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT When WRB the DT electric JJ company NN sends VVZ energy NN to TO our PP$ homes NNS , , does VVZ the DT energy NN flow NN inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT Is VBZ the DT voltage NN and CC current JJ and CC part NN of IN the DT energy NN . SENT Nope RB . SENT The DT current JJ and CC the DT voltage NN are VBP CONNECTED VVN to TO the DT flowing JJ energy NN , , but CC all PDT the DT energy NN flows VVZ outside IN of IN the DT wires NNS where WRB the DT electromagnetic JJ fields NNS are VBP . SENT It PP goes VVZ like IN this DT . SENT CURRENT JJ INDUCTOR NN M NP FIELD NN , , and CC VOLTAGE NN CAPACITOR NN E NN FIELD NN . SENT Because IN even RB the DT simplest JJS electric JJ circuit NN is VBZ like IN a DT coil NN and CC a DT capacitor NN , , we PP have VHP no DT choice NN but CC to TO say VV that IN the DT energy NN is VBZ stored VVN in IN the DT fields NNS surrounding VVG the DT wires NNS , , and CC is VBZ not RB stored VVN inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT Get VV an DT AC NP generator NN . SENT Connect VV it PP to TO a DT long JJ cable NN , , and CC put VVD a DT light JJ bulb NN on IN the DT end NN of IN the DT cable NN . SENT Crank VV the DT generator NN . SENT It PP creates VVZ voltage NN and CC current NN which WDT lights NNS up IN the DT light JJ bulb NN . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , the DT generator NN emits VVZ electromagnetic JJ fields NNS which WDT run VVP along IN the DT cable NN and CC dive NN into IN the DT light JJ bulb NN . SENT Since IN the DT generator NN is VBZ AC NP , , these DT fields NNS which WDT run VVP along IN the DT wires NNS are VBP the DT same JJ as IN electromagnetic JJ waves NNS . SENT The DT light JJ bulb NN absorbs VVZ the DT energy NN of IN the DT waves NNS , , and CC this DT lights NNS up IN the DT bulb NN . SENT Get VV a DT radio NN transmitter NN . SENT Connect VV it PP to TO a DT long JJ cable NN , , and CC put VVD a DT light JJ bulb NN on IN the DT end NN of IN the DT cable NN . SENT Turn VV on IN the DT transmitter NN , , and CC electromagnetic JJ waves NNS flow NN along IN the DT cable NN and CC dive NN into IN the DT light JJ bulb NN . SENT It PP lights NNS up RB . SENT Another DT way NN to TO say VV it PP . SENT the DT radio NN transmitter NN behaves VVZ as IN an DT AC NP power NN supply NN which WDT supplies VVZ voltage NN and CC current JJ to TO light VV the DT bulb NN . SENT Even RB though IN we're NN using VVG a DT radio NN transmitter NN , , the DT voltage NN and CC current JJ in IN the DT cable NN is VBZ just RB the DT same JJ as IN any DT other JJ voltage NN and CC current JJ . SENT There's RB no DT real JJ difference NN between IN the DT radio NN transmitter NN and CC any DT other JJ AC NP generator NN Take VV the DT same JJ radio NN transmitter NN , , connect VVP it PP to TO a DT long JJ cable NN , , and CC put VVD an DT antenna NN on IN the DT end NN of IN the DT cable NN . SENT Now RB the DT radio NN waves NNS come VVP out RP of IN the DT transmitter NN , , flow NN along IN the DT cable NN , , and CC spew VV right RB out RB into IN space NN . SENT The DT antenna NN lets VVZ the DT electromagnetic JJ field NN energy NN escape NN from IN the DT cable NN and CC fly VV outwards NNS as IN radio NN waves NNS . SENT The DT electromagnetic JJ energy NN is VBZ flying VVG outwards NNS , , but CC no DT voltage NN or CC current JJ is VBZ needed VVN . SENT And CC finally RB , , take VV the DT generator NN , , connect VVP it PP to TO a DT cable NN , , then RB connect VVP it PP to TO a DT large JJ antenna NN . SENT What WP will MD happen VV when WRB we PP crank VV the DT generator NN . SENT The DT generator NN creates VVZ voltage NN and CC current JJ in IN the DT cable NN and CC in IN the DT antenna NN . SENT The DT generator NN ALSO RB emits VVZ electromagnetic JJ waves NNS which WDT move VVP along IN the DT cable NN , , then RB they PP hit VVD the DT antenna NN and CC FLY VV RIGHT RB OUT RB INTO IN SPACE NN . SENT Weeeeird NP . SENT The DT electrical JJ energy NN from IN the DT generator NN has VHZ escaped VVN from IN the DT wires NNS . SENT But CC if IN you PP know VVP that DT electrical JJ energy NN IS VBZ electromagnetic JJ fields NNS , , then RB it's NNS not RB so RB weird JJ that IN the DT energy NN is VBZ the DT same JJ as IN radio NN waves NNS . SENT Can MD generators NNS really RB make VVP radio NN waves NNS . SENT Yep NP . SENT However RB , , in IN order NN to TO get VV the DT waves NNS out RP into IN space NN , , the DT antenna NN needs VVZ to TO be VB about IN the DT same JJ size NN as IN the DT waves NNS . SENT At IN sixty CD cycles NNS per IN second JJ , , you'd JJ need VVP an DT antenna NN that WDT was VBD many JJ hundreds NNS of IN miles NNS long RB . SENT At IN the DT turn NN of IN the DT century NN , , radio NN pioneers NNS actually RB used VVN AC NP generators NNS to TO create VV radio NN waves NNS . SENT They PP called VVD these DT alternators NNS , , and CC they PP ran VVD at IN extremely RB high JJ frequencies NNS . SENT Since IN electrical JJ energy NN is VBZ electromagnetic JJ fields NNS , , and CC since IN electromagnetic JJ fields NNS are VBP the DT same JJ stuff NN as IN radio NN waves NNS , , it PP makes VVZ sense NN that IN the DT energy NN in IN electric JJ circuits NNS can MD also RB fly VV through IN empty JJ space NN all RB by IN itself PP . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP COULD MD ELECTRICITY NN WORK NN WITH IN JUST RB ONE CD WIRE NN . SENT Amazingly RB , , the DT answer NN is VBZ yes UH . SENT However RB , , this DT can MD only RB be VB done VVN with IN AC NP and CC not RB with IN DC NP . SENT Also RB , , the DT frequency NN of IN the DT AC NP must MD be VB very RB high JJ , , much RB higher JJR than IN 60 CD Hz NP . SENT If IN we PP want VVP to TO send VV electrical JJ energy NN using VVG one CD wire NN , , then RB rather RB than IN using VVG a DT single JJ straight JJ wire NN , , instead RB we PP must MD use VV a DT very RB long JJ hollow JJ coil NN like IN wrapping VVG a DT single JJ wire NN around IN a DT very RB long JJ rod NN . SENT Nikola NP Tesla NN invented VVD this DT single JJ wire NN energy NN transmission NN scheme NN . SENT It PP uses VVZ standing VVG waves NNS to TO transmit VV energy NN from IN one CD end NN to TO the DT other JJ . SENT Amazingly RB enough RB , , NO DT COMPLETE JJ CIRCUIT NN IS VBZ NEEDED VVN . SENT The DT coil NN acts VVZ a DT bit NN like IN an DT organ NN pipe NN , , but CC the DT waves NNS are VBP not RB sound JJ waves NNS , , they PP are VBP electromagnetism NN . SENT If IN a DT generator NN is VBZ connected VVN in IN series NN with IN this DT coil NN , , and CC a DT light JJ bulb NN is VBZ connected VVN in IN series NN too RB , , then RB the DT generator NN can MD light VV the DT bulb NN . SENT His PP$ invention NN played VVD a DT big JJ role NN in IN the DT early JJ development NN of IN radio NN , , but CC it PP was VBD never RB used VVN for IN commercial JJ energy NN distribution NN . SENT BACK RB TO TO FAQ NP Why WRB doesn't JJ the DT incoming JJ electricity NN run VVN out RP onto IN the DT carpet NN or CC something NN . SENT Once RB I PP thought VVD that IN this DT was VBD a DT silly JJ question NN . SENT Today NN I PP realize VVP that IN it PP is VBZ a DT very RB sensible JJ one NN . SENT It PP exposes VVZ some DT profound JJ aspects NNS of IN electricity NN . SENT People NNS who WP ask VVP this DT question NN are VBP on IN the DT right JJ track NN . SENT Wires NNS are VBP full JJ of IN movable JJ charges NNS , , and CC when WRB these DT charges NNS are VBP moving VVG , , we PP call VVP this DT an DT electric JJ current NN . SENT What WP keeps VVZ the DT charges NNS inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT Why WRB don't JJ the DT charges NNS just RB fly VVP out RP into IN the DT air NN . SENT The DT answer NN is VBZ . SENT static JJ electricity NN . SENT Wires NNS , , as RB well RB as IN everything NN else RB , , contain VVP an DT equal JJ amount NN of IN positive JJ and CC negative JJ charge NN . SENT If IN we PP try VVP to TO take VV some DT charges NNS out RP of IN the DT wire NN , , the DT negative JJ attracts VVZ the DT positive JJ , , and CC the DT charges NNS are VBP pulled VVN back RB inside RB . SENT It PP takes VVZ a DT lot NN of IN work NN to TO pull VV charges NNS out RP of IN a DT wire NN , , and CC this DT doesn't NN just RB happen VV by IN itself PP . SENT Pushing VVG charges NNS out RP of IN a DT wire NN requires VVZ a DT very RB strong JJ push NN . SENT it PP requires VVZ high JJ voltage NN . SENT 120 CD volts NNS is VBZ far RB too RB little JJ to TO do VV this DT , , but CC it PP can MD be VB done VVN with IN 10 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS . SENT If IN electrical JJ outlets NNS used VVD 10 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS instead RB of IN just RB 120 CD V NN , , charges NNS would MD constantly RB leak VV out RP of IN the DT wires NNS and CC be VB pushed VVN right RB out RB into IN the DT air NN . SENT If IN you PP stood VVD too RB close VV to TO 10 CD , , 000 CD V NN wires NNS for IN too RB long RB a DT time NN , , you PP might MD begin VV to TO feel VV some DT static JJ cling VVP on IN your PP$ clothes NNS . SENT No DT lie NN . SENT The DT charges NNS in IN the DT wires NNS will MD spew VV out RP into IN the DT air NN . SENT On IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , even RB 10 CD , , 000 CD V NN can't NN push VVP much RB charge VV out RP of IN the DT wires NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , to TO remove VV all PDT the DT free JJ electrons NNS from IN a DT piece NN of IN 18 CD lamp NN cord NN and CC place VV them PP in IN the DT ground NN a DT few JJ feet NNS away RB reqires VVZ REALLY RB high JJ voltage NN . SENT approximately RB 1 CD , , 000 CD , , 000 CD , , 000 CD , , 000 CD , , 000 CD , , 000 CD volts NNS 10 CD 18 CD V NN So IN that's NNS why WRB electricity NN remains VVZ trapped VVN inside IN the DT wires NNS . SENT the DT electrons NNS and CC protons NNS in IN the DT metal NN are VBP being VBG pulled VVN together RB quite RB strongly RB . SENT A DT metal NN wire NN is VBZ like IN a DT tank NN of IN water NN . SENT the DT water NN can MD easily RB swirl VV around RP , , but CC it PP can't VVD leave VV the DT tank NN . SENT A DT metal NN wire NN is VBZ like IN a DT river NN in IN a DT deep JJ canyon NN , , and CC the DT water NN cannot NN leave VVP because IN the DT walls NNS of IN the DT canyon NN are VBP millions NNS of IN miles NNS tall JJ . SENT LIKE IN THIS DT ARTICLE NN . SENT WHY WRB NOT RB SUPPORT NP AMASCI NP . SENT COM NN Created VVD and CC maintained VVD by IN Bill NP Beaty NP . SENT Mail VV me PP at IN . SENT . SENT Best JJS if IN viewed VVN with IN ANY DT Browser NN . SENT