See-Thru Science
Seeing is believing. In these animations, we show you what electricity and magnetism might look like if they weren't invisible.
How Capacitors Work
Need a strong surge of power? Forget batteries: You'll need a capacitor for the job. This animation explains why.
How DC Motors Work
DC motors make things like appliances and power tools work by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy. Find out how.
How Electromotive Force Works
EMF, or electromotive force, refers to the voltage created by a battery or by a changing magnetic field. Counter EMF, also called Back EMF, is a related phenomenon that we will illustrate in this animation.
How Ignition Coils Work
Conventional automobiles burn gasoline in an internal combustion engine and convert that energy into motion. But first a spark is needed to ignite the fuel mixture. This animation shows how a 12-volt battery generates the high voltage required to create such a discharge.
How Microwaves Work
You use it to pop popcorn and heat up soup. Now learn what happens behind the microwave door.
How Oersted Discovered Electromagnetism
Watch how Hans Christian Oersted discovered quite by accident in 1820 that electricity and magnetism are related.
How Van de Graaff Generators Work
Used originally to charge particles in atomic accelerators, Van de Graaff generators are now used mostly to educate students about electrostatics. See how they generate the static electricity that can make your hair stand on end.
The Lorentz Force
What happens when you put an electrical current in a magnetic field? Although it looks like magic, it's really the Lorentz force.