Part 3/8:
However, as Tesla discovered, the challenge lies in the efficiency of transmitting power via magnetic fields. The strength of magnetic fields diminishes significantly with distance from their source, resulting in increasingly inefficient energy transfer as coils become separated.
Overcoming Limitations with High Voltage and Resonance
Tesla tackled these efficiency issues by pushing the limits of conventional electromagnetic theory. A Tesla coil functions by allowing alternating current to flow through a primary coil at exceptionally high voltages and distinct frequencies, enabling energy to be transmitted over more extensive distances.
The Key Concepts
Two fundamental concepts underpin the operation of a Tesla coil: