ClipArt ETC

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

An electric meter reading 12 multiplied by 2, equals 24 kilowatt hours.

Meter

An electric meter reading 12 multiplied by 2, equals 24 kilowatt hours.

"The Metre Bridge is employed - a piece of apparatus which is illustrated [here]. It consists of a wooden base, upon the upper face of which is mounted a metallic rectangle; three sides of this rectangle are formed by a broad substantial copper band - having a negligible resistance - and the fourth consists of a platinum silver wire w w joining the copper blocks P and p. This wire is exactly one meter long, and over it slides a key K, which when depressed makes contact by means of a platinum knife-edge with the wire; the exact point on the wire at which this contact is made is indicated by an arrow-head on the key, which slides against a scale, as shown." (Britannica, 1891)

Metre Bridge

"The Metre Bridge is employed - a piece of apparatus which is illustrated [here]. It consists of a wooden…

"...consists of a circular, multipolar field magnet, inclusing a cylinder armature with coils wound back and forth in grooces on its face." -Atkinson 1903

Altenating Current Motor

"...consists of a circular, multipolar field magnet, inclusing a cylinder armature with coils wound…

"Illustration showing the installation of an alternating current motor." —Croft 1920

Alternating Current Motor Installed

"Illustration showing the installation of an alternating current motor." —Croft 1920

An electric motor is a motor that uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, usually through the interaction of magnetic fields and current carrying conductors.

Electric Battery Operated Motor

An electric motor is a motor that uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, usually through…

"Motor insulated on a parallel timber base." —Croft 1920

Insulated Motor

"Motor insulated on a parallel timber base." —Croft 1920

"Tesla's oscillator is a combined prime motor and electric generator, and produces alternating currents without rotary motion of the generting coils. the motive force may be that of steam or of compressed air." -Avery 1895

Tesla's Oscillator

"Tesla's oscillator is a combined prime motor and electric generator, and produces alternating currents…

"When large quantities of electrical fluid are wanted for experiment, or for other purposes, it is procured by an electrical machine." -Comstock 1850

Plate Electrical Machine

"When large quantities of electrical fluid are wanted for experiment, or for other purposes, it is procured…

"Edison's Platinum Lamp on column support, 1879."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

Platinum Lamp

"Edison's Platinum Lamp on column support, 1879."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

"Section of Thomson's Portable Electrometer." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Portable Electrometer

"Section of Thomson's Portable Electrometer." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

A potentiometer instrument for measuring the potential (or voltage) in a circuit taps off a fraction of a known voltage from a resistive slide wire and compares it with the unknown voltage by means of a galvanometer. The sliding tap of the potentiometer is adjusted and the galvanometer briefly connected to both the sliding tap and the unknown potential; the deflection of the galvanometer is observed and the sliding tap adjusted until the galvanometer no longer deflects. At that point the galvanometer draws no current from the unknown source, and the magnitude of voltage can be calculated from the position of the sliding contact. This null balance method is a fundamental technique of electrical metrology.

Potentiometer

A potentiometer instrument for measuring the potential (or voltage) in a circuit taps off a fraction…

This electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor.

Power Generator

This electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The reverse…

"The push-button...is well known in connection with the electric bell: a brass spring which forms part of the circuit closing the opening when pressed by an insulating button of hard-rubber, porcelain, or fiber,—the whole inclosed in a cap made in a great variety of ornamental designs." -Atkinson 1903

Push Button

"The push-button...is well known in connection with the electric bell: a brass spring which forms part…

"Elevation and section of Thomson's Quadrant Electrometer." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Quadrant Electrometer

"Elevation and section of Thomson's Quadrant Electrometer." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

The Bell receiver reproduces sounds made on the other end of the circuit, from a transmitter of some kind, used in telephone correspondance. -Atkinson 1903

Bell Receiver

The Bell receiver reproduces sounds made on the other end of the circuit, from a transmitter of some…

"This instrument consists of a glass tube of narrow bore, 16 to 17 inches long, to which is blown a glass globe 3 to 4 inches in diameter. This tube is partially filled with some colored fluid which confines the air in the flobe, a wide reservoir at the other end of the tube allows the fluid to accumulate without sensible change of level. The stand of the instrument consists of two pieces hinged together, so that the tube can be laced at a small inclination to the horizon." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Reibungselectricitat

"This instrument consists of a glass tube of narrow bore, 16 to 17 inches long, to which is blown a…

"Diagram illustrating one type of time-limit relay." —Croft 1920

Time-limit Relay

"Diagram illustrating one type of time-limit relay." —Croft 1920

A diagram of Thomson's replenisher.

Diagram of Thomson's Replenisher

A diagram of Thomson's replenisher.

An illustration of Thomson's replenisher.

Thomson's Replenisher

An illustration of Thomson's replenisher.

The electrical symbol for resistance.

Resistance

The electrical symbol for resistance.

"When the brass plugs are inserted...the coils are short-circuited, i.e., practically, the whole of a current passing from block to block goes through the plug, but when a plug is withdrawn the current passes through the corresponding coil...By withdrawing the proper plugs, one may throw into the circuit and resistance desired, from a single ohm up to the full capacity of the box." -Avery 1895

Resistance Box

"When the brass plugs are inserted...the coils are short-circuited, i.e., practically, the whole of…

An instrument for regulating or adjusting a circuit so that any required degree of resistance may be maintained.

Rheostat

An instrument for regulating or adjusting a circuit so that any required degree of resistance may be…

"The rheostat is an apparatus for admitting the current to the motor gradually, so as not to heat and injure the coils and insulating material by admitting the full current before the armature has attained its full rotary speed..." -Atkinson 1903

Rheostat

"The rheostat is an apparatus for admitting the current to the motor gradually, so as not to heat and…

"A typical direct-current starting rheostat is illustrated [here]." —Croft 1920

Rheostat

"A typical direct-current starting rheostat is illustrated [here]." —Croft 1920

"An instrument for directing a powerful beam of electric light for the purpose of search, illumination, or signalling."—Finley, 1917

Searchlight

"An instrument for directing a powerful beam of electric light for the purpose of search, illumination,…

a is called the cathode, b is a plate of metal mounted inside the tube and in the path of the rays; d is the portion of the glass protected from the cathode rays by the screen.

Shadow Tube

a is called the cathode, b is a plate of metal mounted inside the tube and in the path of the rays;…

A diagram of ground or short circuit.

Short Circuit

A diagram of ground or short circuit.

"A shunt, in electricity, is a conductor placed between two points in closed circuit, to divert or shunt part of the current."—Finley, 1917

Shunt

"A shunt, in electricity, is a conductor placed between two points in closed circuit, to divert or shunt…

"Illustrating the principle of Siemens' drum winding. In order to make the winding and connections clear, one coil and the commutator is shown assumbled, although the latter is not put in place until after all the sections have been wound, the ends of the wires temporarily twisted together until all can be soldered to the risers. the cores of these early machines were of wood, overspun circumferentially with iron wire before receiving the longitudinal copper windings." -Hawkins, 1917

Siemens' Drum Winding

"Illustrating the principle of Siemens' drum winding. In order to make the winding and connections clear,…

"The sine electrometer of August, is a modification of the single pendulum electroscope, analogous in principle to Pouillet's sine compass. A is a pendulum suspended by two threads to secure motion in one plane; B is a ball fixd to the case, and connected with a suitable electrode." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Sine Electrometer

"The sine electrometer of August, is a modification of the single pendulum electroscope, analogous in…

A hand holding a solenoid.

Solenoid

A hand holding a solenoid.

A spark arrestor is a device intended to prevent combustible materials, usually sparks or other tiny flaming debris, from escaping into areas where they might start fires. They are most commonly used in conjunction with motor vehicles, as well as improving safety within fireplaces, and various electrical equipment.

A Conductor Featuring a Spark Arrestor

A spark arrestor is a device intended to prevent combustible materials, usually sparks or other tiny…

"Method of using a grounded metallic comb near the driving belt to relieve the belt of static charges." —Croft 1920

Using a Grounded Metallic Comb to Reduce Static Charge, Front and Side View

"Method of using a grounded metallic comb near the driving belt to relieve the belt of static charges."…

"Method of using a grounded metallic comb near the driving belt to relieve the belt of static charges." —Croft 1920

Using a Grounded Metallic Comb to Reduce Static Charge, Perspective View

"Method of using a grounded metallic comb near the driving belt to relieve the belt of static charges."…

"Multiple plate static discharger. (Grid should bridge both sides of belt and be as close to the motor as possible.) ." —Croft 1920

Static Discharger

"Multiple plate static discharger. (Grid should bridge both sides of belt and be as close to the motor…

A hand with bar demonstrating the attractive properties of static electricity.

Demonstration of Static Electricity

A hand with bar demonstrating the attractive properties of static electricity.

A hand with a rod, demonstrating the attractive properties of static electricity.

Demonstration of Static Electricity

A hand with a rod, demonstrating the attractive properties of static electricity.

An illustration of various forms of striated discharge.

Striated Discharge

An illustration of various forms of striated discharge.

"Showing the construction of a quick-break knife switch." —Croft 1920

Quick-brake Knife Switch

"Showing the construction of a quick-break knife switch." —Croft 1920

"A series-circuit service switch or cut-out." —Croft 1920

Series Circuit Switch

"A series-circuit service switch or cut-out." —Croft 1920

"A two-pole front-connected knife switch fused a the handle end." —Croft 1920

Two-pole Knife Switch

"A two-pole front-connected knife switch fused a the handle end." —Croft 1920

An illustration of Macedonio Melloni's thermomultiplier, a combination of thermopile and galvanometer.

Thermomultiplier

An illustration of Macedonio Melloni's thermomultiplier, a combination of thermopile and galvanometer.

"A very convenient form of Thomson's galvanometer, the only specimen of its kind we have seen. The peculiarity of its construction consists in the connection between the scale and the galvanometer, which saves much trouble in adjusting the instrument." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Thomsons Galvonometer

"A very convenient form of Thomson's galvanometer, the only specimen of its kind we have seen. The peculiarity…

"The Toepler-Holtz electric machine" Hawkins, 1917

Toepler-Holtz Electric Machine

"The Toepler-Holtz electric machine" Hawkins, 1917

"ABCD is a cylinder of glass 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot high. This cylinder is closed by a glass lid pierced centrically by two openings, each about 20 lines wide. Into the middle opening is cemented a glass tube 2 feet high, to the upper end of which is fitted a torsion head; the separate parts of the head are shown larger at the side of the figure. H is a collar cemented to the glass tube; MO a metal disc, divided on the edge into 360 degrees; this disc is fastened to a tube N, which slips into the collar H. K is a button whose neck turns easily in a hole in MO; to the lower part of the button is fastened a small clamp, which seizes the wire of the balance. I is an arm with a small projecting piece which slips over the edge of the disc MO." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Torsion Balance

"ABCD is a cylinder of glass 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot high. This cylinder is closed by a glass…

"The transmitter is a microphone adapted for the transmission of telephone messages and, in general practice, is so used, better results being thus secured than is possible when the transmitter and receiver are identical. In the Blake transmitter, a diagram is supported back of a mouthpiece, as in the Bell telephone."

Blake transmitter

"The transmitter is a microphone adapted for the transmission of telephone messages and, in general…

The Blake transmitter is used in taking voice and transferring it into an electrical signal that can be reproduced by a receiver. Used in telephone systems.

Blake Transmitter

The Blake transmitter is used in taking voice and transferring it into an electrical signal that can…

"Diagram of a vibrator coil. The parts are as follows: A, contact screw; B, battery; C, core; D, vibrator terminal; G, condenser; P, primary winding; S, secondary winding; W, switch; Y, vibrator." -Hawkins, 1917

Vibrator Coil

"Diagram of a vibrator coil. The parts are as follows: A, contact screw; B, battery; C, core; D, vibrator…

"Circuit diagram of a master vibrator coil. B is the battery; C, the unit coils; C1, C2, etc. the condensors; P, the primary windings and S, the secondary windings; H1, H2, etc. the spark plugs; T, the timer; MP, the master primary; V, the vibrator; W, the common primary connection; 1, 2, etc. the stationary contacts of the timer." -Hawkins, 1917

Master Vibrator Coil

"Circuit diagram of a master vibrator coil. B is the battery; C, the unit coils; C1, C2, etc. the condensors;…

A volt-meter in a circuit.

Volt meter

A volt-meter in a circuit.

"The metallic elements C and Z each conssted of two metals, the plate C being of copper and the plate of Z zinc. They were placed, as shown, in the glass vessels, which contained salt water and ordinary water of lye. Into each vessel, except the two end ones, the copper end of one arc and the zinc end of the next were introduced, the series, however long, ending with copper dipping into the terminal wbessel at one end and zinc into that at the other. The arrangement is almost exactly that of a modern one fluid battery." -Hawkins, 1917

Volta's Crown of Cups

"The metallic elements C and Z each conssted of two metals, the plate C being of copper and the plate…

"Volta's arrangement for producing a current of electricity, consisting of a pile of alternate disks of two dissimilar metals, as copper and zinc, zinc and silver, zinc and platinum, separated by pieces of flannel or pasteboard moistened with salt water or with water acidulated with sulphuric acid."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Voltaic Pile

"Volta's arrangement for producing a current of electricity, consisting of a pile of alternate disks…

"We may compare currents by the quantities of a given electrolyte which they decompose in a given time. Faraday's voltameter is intended for this purpose. As compared with a galvanometer, the voltameter has the obvious disadvantage that it cannot measure a current at once, but only after the current has been flowing for some time." -Hazeltine, 1894

Faraday's Voltameter

"We may compare currents by the quantities of a given electrolyte which they decompose in a given time.…

"Showing method of connecting voltmeter to find potential differnce between any two points as m and n on an electrical circuit." -Hawkins, 1917

Voltmeter

"Showing method of connecting voltmeter to find potential differnce between any two points as m and…

"The water in resovoirs A and B stands at different heights. As long as this difference of level is maintained, water from B will flow through the pipe R to A. If by means of a pump P the level in B be kept constant, flow through R will also be maintained. Here, by means f the work expended on the pump, the level in the resovoir is kept constant; and in the corresponding case of the electric current...a constant difference of potential is maintanied." -Hawkins, 1917

Analogy of Water Flow to Electric Current

"The water in resovoirs A and B stands at different heights. As long as this difference of level is…

"Instrument designed to measure both the rate at which the electrical energy is delivered and the time that it is delivered, i.e., the number of watt-hours." -Avery 1895

Wattmeter

"Instrument designed to measure both the rate at which the electrical energy is delivered and the time…

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

Wheatstone Bridge

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

Wheatstone Bridge in Circuit

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

Wheatstone Bridge with Resistors

"The Wheatstone bridge is used as a way to measure resistance of a unknown resitors." -Avery 1895

"The best method for comparing resistances with great accuracy is the modification of Wheatstone's bridge introduced by Kirchhoff. KL is a platinum-iridium wire, DK and HL are stout copper terminals to which it is soldered, DAE, EGH, FBS are stout copper pieces with binding screws and terminals for mercury cups, by means of which resistances R, T, U, S can be inserted at D, E, F, H. A, B, and G are binding screws for the battery wires and one end of the galvanometer wire." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Wheatstones Bridge

"The best method for comparing resistances with great accuracy is the modification of Wheatstone's bridge…