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Electricity and Magnetism

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How Modern Light Bulbs Work. Multimeter Tutorial. Not sure what a multimeter is or what you can do with one? Then you're in the right place! Below is an overview of what multimeters are and what they are useful for. To learn how to use a multimeter, to find multimeter usage ideas, or to find labeled photographs of assorted multimeter models, click on the other tabs (above) in this multimeter tutorial. This section includes answers to the following questions: What is a multimeter? A multimeter is a handy tool that you use to measure electricity, just like you would use a ruler to measure distance, a stopwatch to measure time, or a scale to measure weight. What can multimeters measure? Almost all multimeters can measure voltage, current, and resistance. Some multimeters have a continuity check, resulting in a loud beep if two things are electrically connected. Some multimeters also have a diode check function. What are voltage, current, and resistance?

Voltage is how hard electricity is being "pushed" through a circuit. Technical Note. How Van de Graaff Generators Work" Most of us have seen the device, known as a Van de Graaff generator, that makes your hair stand on end. The device looks like a big aluminum ball mounted on a pedestal, and you can see its effect in the accompanying image. Have you ever wondered what this device is, how it works, why it was invented or how you might build one yourself? Surely it wasn't invented to make people's hair stand on end ... Or have you ever shuffled your feet across the carpet on a dry winter day and gotten the shock of your life when you touched something metal? Have you ever wondered about static electricity and static cling? If any of these questions have ever crossed your mind, then get ready for a great read.

Circuits. Three things are needed for an electric currentElectric current is a flow of electric charges (electrons). to flow in a circuitA collection of wires and electric components connected together in such a way that electric current can flow through them.: the circuit must be complete - electric current can't flow if there are any gaps in the circuit a batteryA battery is two or more electric cells joined together that can produce an electric current when connected to an electric circuit. or other power source is needed to provide the energy to push the electric current through the wires. the battery must be connected correctly.

One wire must be connected to the (+) positive terminal of the battery and the other wire must be connected to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. We use circuit diagrams to represent electrical circuits. The battery, switch and buzzer are represented by circuit symbols. How Windmills & Turbines Generate Electricity. DESIGN SQUAD . Resources. 123D Circuits. Squishy Circuits.