Explain alternating current distribution across "the grid" to me in terms an educated layman can understand. Specifically, I have a question about how to talk about which power plants are providing power to a particular consumer. [more inside]
posted by 256 on May 17, 2012 - 20 answers

Help me understand electricity and physics and how they apply to motors. I have my head around electricity basics and electromagnetism, but I have a few unanswered questions about the more subtle aspects. [more inside]
posted by kaizen on Jun 22, 2008 - 11 answers

Lightning. Why does it always go to ground? [more inside]
posted by Solomon on Jul 24, 2007 - 14 answers

Physics filter: The original fuse for an Ikea lighting system was rated for 6.3A and 250V. After a power surge, I noticed that the fuse had been toasted. Upon visiting 3 hardware stores, the best I could find was a similar fuse rated for 3.15A and 125V. Since V=I*R, it follows that the resistance is identical when the original fuse is compared with the replacement. Does this mean that these fuses are functionally equal?
posted by |n$eCur3 on Jul 3, 2006 - 14 answers