An interactive journey through the invisible force that powers civilization — from drifting electrons to thundering lightning bolts.
Electricity is the flow of electric charge — typically electrons moving through a conductor. Every atom contains charged particles: protons (positive) in the nucleus and electrons (negative) orbiting it. When electrons break free and drift from atom to atom, that movement is electric current.
There are two types: static electricity (charge buildup on surfaces) and current electricity (continuous charge flow through a circuit). Current electricity is what powers your devices, lights your home, and runs the global economy.
The "electrical pressure" that pushes charge through a circuit. Measured in volts. Think of it as the height difference of a waterfall — more height, more force.
The rate of charge flow. Measured in amperes (amps). Like the volume of water flowing through a pipe each second. 1 amp = ~6.24 × 10¹⁸ electrons per second.
Opposition to current flow. Measured in ohms (Ω). Every material resists flow — copper barely, rubber enormously. Resistance converts electrical energy to heat.
The rate of energy transfer. Measured in watts. P = V × I. A 60W bulb converts 60 joules of electrical energy into light and heat every second.
Total work done over time. Measured in joules or kilowatt-hours (kWh). Your electricity bill charges for energy: power × time. 1 kWh = 3.6 million joules.
How many times AC current reverses direction per second. 50 Hz in Europe/Asia, 60 Hz in Americas. Higher frequencies enable wireless transmission and radio.
Adjust voltage to see how electron drift velocity changes through a conductor. Higher voltage means more electrical pressure and faster electron movement.
Enter any two values and the third will be calculated. The most fundamental relationship in circuit analysis.
A battery, a resistor, and a bulb. Adjust voltage and resistance to see how current and power change in real time. Watch the bulb glow respond to power levels.
From a single neuron firing to a lightning bolt — electrical power spans an extraordinary range.
Humanity's relationship with electricity spans millennia — from ancient observations of amber to the quantum electronics revolution.