“The usage of “battery” to describe a group of electrical devices dates to Benjamin Franklin, who in 1748 described multiple Leyden jars by analogy to a battery of cannon (Benjamin Franklin borrowed the term “battery” from the military, which refers to weapons functioning together).
Italian physicist Alessandro Volta built and described the first electrochemical battery, the voltaic pile, in 1800."
Lightning is simply static electricity. In “Atlas Shrugged,” the hero, John Galt, invents a motor powered by the native static electricity in the air. It generates limitless free power.
Guess simple well documented facts about Nicola Tesla demonstrating his remote controlled boat to the public in the 1890s do not count as being first. As for lightning, the voltage is not how much power is contained, it counts but amperage is the measure of power (war of the currents anyone?) – partly correct but totally wrong with how it is presented.
One lightning bolt can also blow every lit bulb in the house, send a two foot tongue of flame out of a light switch, and fry everything not on a surge surpressor. DAMHIK
That lightning factoid reminds me of Tesla’s tower, didn’t he want to generate massive amounts of “free” energy by pulling electricity from the atmosphere? Not necessarily by attracting full on lightning strikes, but just pulling the electrical potential from the sky, like a giant version of Ben Franklin’s kite.
pearlsbs almost 5 years ago
The lightning explanation is inadequate. You need to know for how long the homes could be lighted for it to make sense.
pearlsbs almost 5 years ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_battery#History
“The usage of “battery” to describe a group of electrical devices dates to Benjamin Franklin, who in 1748 described multiple Leyden jars by analogy to a battery of cannon (Benjamin Franklin borrowed the term “battery” from the military, which refers to weapons functioning together).
Italian physicist Alessandro Volta built and described the first electrochemical battery, the voltaic pile, in 1800."
Gent almost 5 years ago
What we need is lightning rod powered houses and vehicles. Clean pollution-free energy! But alas, lightnings cannot be tamed!
Gent almost 5 years ago
Okay, now where can I find that secret sunday panel that’s not published here?
bpscg almost 5 years ago
Lightning is simply static electricity. In “Atlas Shrugged,” the hero, John Galt, invents a motor powered by the native static electricity in the air. It generates limitless free power.
dwdl21 almost 5 years ago
And battery technology hasn’t changed all that much since
DonHilliker almost 5 years ago
Guess simple well documented facts about Nicola Tesla demonstrating his remote controlled boat to the public in the 1890s do not count as being first. As for lightning, the voltage is not how much power is contained, it counts but amperage is the measure of power (war of the currents anyone?) – partly correct but totally wrong with how it is presented.
joeatwork212 almost 5 years ago
Some rather shocking facts and comments.
Cminuscomics&stories Premium Member almost 5 years ago
So, how long would those 200,000 homes be lighted and does that include running the refrigerator?
dv1093 almost 5 years ago
1800? Electric?
sbwertz almost 5 years ago
One lightning bolt can also blow every lit bulb in the house, send a two foot tongue of flame out of a light switch, and fry everything not on a surge surpressor. DAMHIK
Julie478 Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Today’s missing 4th panel:✨✨✨
https://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/cartoon-01-05-2020/
WCraft Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Well then, someone needs to corral Flash, Shazam, and Thor and hook them up to the grid!
Jogger2 almost 5 years ago
Why is the one about Volta in RBION? Why would I not believe it, since it’s something we learned in elementary or middle school?
jvn almost 5 years ago
Leonardo looks a lot like Louis C.K.
paranormal almost 5 years ago
An electric battery. Hmmmmmmmmmmm…
yangeldf almost 5 years ago
That lightning factoid reminds me of Tesla’s tower, didn’t he want to generate massive amounts of “free” energy by pulling electricity from the atmosphere? Not necessarily by attracting full on lightning strikes, but just pulling the electrical potential from the sky, like a giant version of Ben Franklin’s kite.
craigwestlake almost 5 years ago
No big deal; for centuries movements over a distance have been caused by a single goose…
Moon57Shine almost 5 years ago
Electric battery? Isn’t that an oxymoron?