Electricity Experiments and Apparatus | ClipArt ETC

This science ClipArt gallery offers 245 illustrations of basic concepts, experiments, apparatus, and systems proving properties and concepts in electricity.

"Dry Pile Electroscope." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Dry Pile Electroscope

"Dry Pile Electroscope." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

The dynamo machine generates electric currents by converting motive power into electricity through the agency of conductors and magnets.

Dynamo

The dynamo machine generates electric currents by converting motive power into electricity through the…

"The dynamo has its field mangets F F magnetized by means of a small current flowing around a shunt circuit." — Hawkins, 1917

Dynamo

"The dynamo has its field mangets F F magnetized by means of a small current flowing around a shunt…

"...in which is shown as electromagnet mounted with its poles in proximity to those of a steel magnet, and connected with a driving-wheel and belt, by which it can be given a rapid rotary motion, so that its poles alternately rotate past those of the steel magnet, producing an alternate reversal of polarity in its core by which an alternating current is generated in its coils." -Atkinson 1903

Dynamo

"...in which is shown as electromagnet mounted with its poles in proximity to those of a steel magnet,…

"If an electromagnet be subsituted for the steel magnet as shown...and the terminals of its coils connected with the brushs as shown each magnet will generate a current in the coils of the other magnet." -Atkinson 1903

Dynamo

"If an electromagnet be subsituted for the steel magnet as shown...and the terminals of its coils connected…

The armature of a dynamo machine by Brush Electric Company. The dynamo machine, now known as an electrical generator, is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Dynamo Machine

The armature of a dynamo machine by Brush Electric Company. The dynamo machine, now known as an electrical…

The dynamo machine, now known as an electrical generator, is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Dynamo Machine

The dynamo machine, now known as an electrical generator, is a device that converts mechanical energy…

"A shaft runs through the machine from end to end, carrying a pulley, P, at one end, a commutator, c, at the other end, and a wheel armature, R, at the middle. The armature carries eight or more helices of insulated wire, H H, connected in pairs. As the shaft is turned by the action of the belt upon the pulley, the armature and the commutator are turned with it." — Avery, 1895

Brush dynamo

"A shaft runs through the machine from end to end, carrying a pulley, P, at one end, a commutator, c,…

"Compound wound dynamo, used when better automatic regulation of voltage on constant pressure circuits is desired than is possible with the shunt machine." — Hawkins, 1917

Compound wound dynamo

"Compound wound dynamo, used when better automatic regulation of voltage on constant pressure circuits…

"The series and shunt methods of winding [a dynamo] may be combined in the same machine, producing what is called a compound wound dynamo." -Atkinson 1903

Compound Wound Dynamo

"The series and shunt methods of winding [a dynamo] may be combined in the same machine, producing what…

"Where a motor is connected with the electric circuit of a dynamo...and the armature of the dynamo is rotated by mechanical power in opposition to the electromagnetic force, an electric current is generated, which tranverses the motor and causes its armature to rotate..." -Atkinson 1903

Connected dynamo and motor

"Where a motor is connected with the electric circuit of a dynamo...and the armature of the dynamo is…

"The electromagnet that supplies the flux of force must have a current to excite it. This current is sometimes supplied from an outside source. Such a dynamo is said to be seperately excited." — Avery, 1895

Seperately excited dynamo

"The electromagnet that supplies the flux of force must have a current to excite it. This current is…

"Separately excited dynamo. Current for field excitation is supplied by a second and smaller generator." — Hawkins, 1917

Seperately excited dynamo

"Separately excited dynamo. Current for field excitation is supplied by a second and smaller generator."…

"The electromagnet that supplies the flux of force must have a current to excite it. This current is sometimes supplied from an outside source. Such a dynamo is said to be seperately excited. Often all of the current from the armature is carried around the coils of the field magnet, thus forming a series dynamo." — Avery, 1895

Series dynamo

"The electromagnet that supplies the flux of force must have a current to excite it. This current is…

"Series wound dynamo, used for series aarc lighting, and as a booster for increasing the pressure on a feeder carrying current furnished by some othe generator." — Hawkins, 1917

Series wound dynamo

"Series wound dynamo, used for series aarc lighting, and as a booster for increasing the pressure on…

"...shows especially the construction of the series wound dynamo. The armature consists of a circular magnet mounted between two massibe pole-pieces belonging to the stationary magnet, by which it is partly inclosed, sufficient space being left on each side for it to revolve freely without contact." -Atkinson 1903

Series Wound Dynamo

"...shows especially the construction of the series wound dynamo. The armature consists of a circular…

"The shunt wound dynamo differes from the series wound machine, in that an independent circuit is used for exciting its field magnet." — Hawkins, 1917

Shunt dynamo

"The shunt wound dynamo differes from the series wound machine, in that an independent circuit is used…

"When a dynamo is so constructed that only a smal part of its current is employed to magnetize its field-magnet, it is called shunt wound, because the magnetizing current is diverted from the main circuit through a shunt circuit." -Atkinson 1903

Shunt Wound Dynamo

"When a dynamo is so constructed that only a smal part of its current is employed to magnetize its field-magnet,…

"A shunt-wound dynamo with an adjustable resistance, R." -Avery 1895

Shunt-wound Dynamo

"A shunt-wound dynamo with an adjustable resistance, R." -Avery 1895

An edgewise switchboard ammeter.

Edgewise Switchboard Ammeter

An edgewise switchboard ammeter.

"ABC is a horizontal coil of wire terminating at the binding screws a, b. FG is a ring-shaped trough of mercury for the sliding contacts. A wire connects the mercury with the binding screw d. DE is an upright support screwed into a metal base D in connection with the binding screw c, and terminating above in a mercury cup E. When required, DE can be replaced by the shorter supports D'E' and D"E". HLK is a support for a screw L, which carries an adjustible center." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Electric Apparatus

"ABC is a horizontal coil of wire terminating at the binding screws a, b. FG is a ring-shaped trough…

The System of Arc Lights is a device used to obtain electric light by conducting a current of electricity through a resisting medium, as a gas or a carbon wire.

System of Arc Lights

The System of Arc Lights is a device used to obtain electric light by conducting a current of electricity…

The System of Incandescent Lights is a device in which electric light is obtained by conducting a current of electricity through a resisting medium, as a gas or a carbon wire.

System of Incandescent Lights

The System of Incandescent Lights is a device in which electric light is obtained by conducting a current…

Thomas Edison's original concept of the electric machine, an electricity generator distributed to homes, businesses, and factories.

Electric Machine

Thomas Edison's original concept of the electric machine, an electricity generator distributed to homes,…

"An electric motor that uses a square nut to engage the electromagnet which drive the motor." -Avery 1895

Electric Motor

"An electric motor that uses a square nut to engage the electromagnet which drive the motor." -Avery…

Prior to the toggle switch a popular design was the push-button switch, composed of a depressed button oriented below or beside a raised button. Pushing the raised button opens or closes the contacts while popping out the previously depressed button so the process can be reversed. Push button switch reproductions are available on the market today for vintage or authentic styling.

Electric Push Button

Prior to the toggle switch a popular design was the push-button switch, composed of a depressed button…

"The electric screen. A screen of wire gauze surrounding a delicate electrical instrument will protect it from external electrostatic induction." -Hawkins, 1917

Electric Screen

"The electric screen. A screen of wire gauze surrounding a delicate electrical instrument will protect…

"Path of current through person receiving a shock from the fame of a machine insulated from ground. (There is an accidental tree ground on the line and a accidental ground in the winding of the machine.)." —Croft 1920

Electric Shock

"Path of current through person receiving a shock from the fame of a machine insulated from ground.…

An insulator is a material that resists the flow of electric current. An insulating material has atoms with tightly bonded valence electrons. These materials are used in parts of electrical equipment, as insulation. The term is also used to refer to insulating supports that attach electric power transmission wires to utility poles. Some materials such as glass, paper, or Teflon are very good electrical insulators.

Electric Wire Insulator

An insulator is a material that resists the flow of electric current. An insulating material has atoms…

"Electric-bell indicator for fishing [when installing home wiring systems]." —Croft 1915

Electric-bell Indicator

"Electric-bell indicator for fishing [when installing home wiring systems]." —Croft 1915

Kinnersley electrical air-thermometer

"Various methods have been devised for measuring electrostatic quantity, one of the simplest of which…

In electrical grids, a power system network integrates transmission grids, distribution grids, distributed generators and loads that have connection points called busses.

System of Electrical Distribution

In electrical grids, a power system network integrates transmission grids, distribution grids, distributed…

"A copper wire coiled, by winding it around a piece of wood. The turns of the wire should be close together for actual experiment, they being parted in the figure to show the place of the iron to be magnetized. The best method is, to place the coiled wire, which is called the electrical helix, in a glass tube, the two ends of the wire, of course, projecting. Then placing the body to be magnetized within the folds, send the galvanic influence through the whole by placing the poles of the battery in the cups." —Comstock, 1850

Electrical Helix

"A copper wire coiled, by winding it around a piece of wood. The turns of the wire should be close together…

"Electrification produced by rubbing dissimilar bodies together and then separating them. If the insulated glass and leather discs A and B be rubbed together, but not separated, no signs of electrification can be detected; but if the discs be drawn apart a little distance the space betwen them is found to be and electric field, and as they separate farther and farther, electric forces will be found to exist in more and more of the surrounding space, the electrification being indicated by 'lines of force.' " -Hawkins, 1917

Electrification

"Electrification produced by rubbing dissimilar bodies together and then separating them. If the insulated…

The magnet produced by an electric current is called an electro-magnet.

Electro-Magnet

The magnet produced by an electric current is called an electro-magnet.

"An electrodynamometer is a galvanometer with two coils, at least one of which is movable, and through at least one of which the curent to be measured passes. It is very useful in the measurement of alternating curernts and voltages." -Avery 1895

Electrodynamometer

"An electrodynamometer is a galvanometer with two coils, at least one of which is movable, and through…

F, fixed coil; D, movable coil; S, spiral spring; T, Torsion head; MM, Mercury cups; I, Index needle.

Siemens Electrodynamometer

F, fixed coil; D, movable coil; S, spiral spring; T, Torsion head; MM, Mercury cups; I, Index needle.

Electromagnet

"An electromagnet is a bar of iron magnetized by an electric current, substantial as just shown." —…

"When an electromagnet is U-shaped, the coils around the two ends of the bent iron core are so wound that if the coil should be straightened either coil would appear as a continuation of the other, i.e., the current would circle around the core in the same direction in the two coils. Such magnets are often made by connecting an end of the core of one spool-shaped magnet, by a straight soft iron bar called a yoke." — Avery, 1895

Electromagnet

"When an electromagnet is U-shaped, the coils around the two ends of the bent iron core are so wound…

"A magnet which owes its magnetic properties to the inductive action of an electric current." -Whitney, 1911

Electromagnet

"A magnet which owes its magnetic properties to the inductive action of an electric current." -Whitney,…

An illustration of a quadrant electrometer. An electrometer is an electrical instrument for measuring electric charge or electrical potential difference. There are many different types, ranging from historical hand-made mechanical instruments to high-precision electronic devices.

Quadrant Electrometer

An illustration of a quadrant electrometer. An electrometer is an electrical instrument for measuring…

An electrical instrument consisting of two plates, which can produce a spark.

Electrophotus

An electrical instrument consisting of two plates, which can produce a spark.

"The electrophorus and meethod of using. Charge B; place A in contact with B, and touch A (left illustration). The disc is now charged by induction and will yield a spark when touched by the hand (right illustration)." -Hawkins, 1917

Electrophorus

"The electrophorus and meethod of using. Charge B; place A in contact with B, and touch A (left illustration).…

"Illustrating how the electrophorus works" -Hawkins, 1917

Use of an Electrophorus

"Illustrating how the electrophorus works" -Hawkins, 1917

Alessandro Volta's design of the electrophorus. "An instrument for obtaining statical electricity by means of induction." -Whitney, 1911

Electrophorus

Alessandro Volta's design of the electrophorus. "An instrument for obtaining statical electricity by…

Apparatus for showing the presence of electricity without giving quantitative measurements.

Electroscope

Apparatus for showing the presence of electricity without giving quantitative measurements.

"The electroscope is an instrument for detecting and testing electrification. A metallic rod passes through the cork of a glass vessel, and terminates on the outside in a ball or a disk. The lower end of the rod carries two strips of gold-leaf or of aluminum foil that hang parallel and close together. When an electrified object is brought near the knob or into contact with it, the metal strips below become similarly charged and are, therefore, mutually repelled." — Avery, 1895

Electroscope

"The electroscope is an instrument for detecting and testing electrification. A metallic rod passes…

An electrical instrument used for measuring electric charge.

Electroscope

An electrical instrument used for measuring electric charge.

"Discharging Electroscope" — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Electroscope

"Discharging Electroscope" — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

"One of the simplest instruments of this kind consists of a metallic needle, terminated at each end by a light pith-ball, which is covered with gold leaf, and supported horizontally at its centre by a fine point.." -Comstock 1850

Electroscope

"One of the simplest instruments of this kind consists of a metallic needle, terminated at each end…

"An instrument for observing or detecting the existence of free electricity, and, in general, for determining its kind. ... In Volta's condensing electroscope, in place of the gilt knob there is a flat metal plate upon which rests another similar plate, which may be removed by an insulating handle." -Whitney, 1911

Condensing Electroscope

"An instrument for observing or detecting the existence of free electricity, and, in general, for determining…

"Gold leaf electroscope; it consists of two strips of gold foil suspended from a brass rod within a glass jar. Used to detect the presence and sign of an electric charge." -Hawkins, 1917

Gold Leaf Electroscope

"Gold leaf electroscope; it consists of two strips of gold foil suspended from a brass rod within a…

"In the gold-leaf electroscope (invented by Bennet in 1787), two light strips of gold-leaf hang from the lower end of a metal rod, which passes vertically through an opening in the top of a glass bottle and expands above into a plate. If a piece of rubbed sealing-wax or other electrified body be brought near the plate, the gold leaves will repel each other and diverge ... A cylinder of wire gauze placed just inside the glass case, improves the action of the instrument." -Hazeltine, 1894

Gold Leaf Electroscope

"In the gold-leaf electroscope (invented by Bennet in 1787), two light strips of gold-leaf hang from…

Pith-Ball Electroscope

"An instrument for observing or detecting the existence of free electricity, and, in general, for determining…

"An instrument for observing or detecting the existence of free electricity, and, in general, for determining its kind. ... Quadrant electroscope, a form of pith-ball electroscope which serves to measure roughly the degree of electrification by the rise of the pith-ball as indicated by the motion of the rod carrying it on a graduated semicircle." -Whitney, 1911

Quadrant Electroscope

"An instrument for observing or detecting the existence of free electricity, and, in general, for determining…

Conductor for electricity.

Simple Electroscope

Conductor for electricity.

Device for electrostatic induction.

Electrostatic Induction

Device for electrostatic induction.

Elliot's Astatic Galvonometer.

Elliots Astatic Galvonometer

Elliot's Astatic Galvonometer.

When the atmosphere is highly charged with electricity, faint tinges of fire are often seen on the ends of bodies in connection with the earth, like the masts of ship, steeples, etc., due to an electric charge, known as the <em>brush-discharge</em>.

Elmo's Fire

When the atmosphere is highly charged with electricity, faint tinges of fire are often seen on the ends…

"This apparatus shows the rotation at once of a magnet and of a movable conductor. The rotating pieces are the magnet sn, which is tied to the copper peg at the bottom of G by means of a piece of string, and swims round the vertical current buoyed up by the mercury in G, and the wire DE, which is hinged to D by a thin flexible wire, and swims round the pole of the vertical magnet n's'." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Faraday Apparatus

"This apparatus shows the rotation at once of a magnet and of a movable conductor. The rotating pieces…