While individual electrons drift slowly, the electric field that causes current moves at nearly the speed of light in a conductor. That’s why your lights turn on instantly!
Earth acts like a giant magnet because of molten iron currents in its outer core. Its magnetic poles have even flipped many times in history!
Your body runs on tiny electrical impulses. Your brain uses about 20 watts—enough to power a dim lightbulb!
Motors and generators are basically the same device in reverse. One turns electricity into motion; the other turns motion into electricity!
A lightning bolt can carry up to 1 billion volts and 30,000 amps of current—enough energy to power a small town for a short time!
Maglev trains float using magnetic repulsion. With no friction, they can reach speeds over 370 mph in testing!
All wireless communication—from WiFi to GPS to cell phones—uses electromagnetic waves, which are created by accelerating charges.
Capacitors store electrical energy and can release it in a flash. They're essential in everything from camera flashes to power supplies!