What is Electricity made of?

Summary

Who Smarted? - Episode Summary: "What is Electricity Made of?"

Release Date: May 12, 2025

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Introduction

In this exciting episode of "Who Smarted?", hosted by Atomic Entertainment and Starglow Media, young listeners embark on an electrifying journey to uncover the mysteries of electricity. The episode titled "What is Electricity Made of?" delves deep into the fundamentals of electricity, its origins, and its pivotal role in our daily lives. Presented with humor and engaging storytelling, the podcast features the dynamic duo of electric scientists, Gerda and Volker (also known as Frankensappe), who guide kids through interactive discussions and demonstrations.

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Inside the Secret Laboratory

[00:02] Narrator:
The episode kicks off with the narrator welcoming listeners from the "top secret laboratory" of Gerda and Volker, setting a tone of adventure and discovery.

[00:18] Gerda:
Gerda emphasizes the importance of handling electricity safely, highlighting its potential dangers:
"Electricity is very dangerous, you know."

[00:25] Volker:
Volker echoes the sentiment, adding a touch of humor about mixing science with emotion.

[00:32] Gerda:
Gerda clarifies Volker’s playful nature, ensuring young listeners that they are here to educate, not to create monsters:
"He's just hoping all these smarty hosen listening will remember our names."

[00:46] Gerda:
She introduces their experiments with electric power, promising "fantastic feats" that will be demonstrated during the episode.

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Understanding Electricity

[02:00] Narrator:
The narrator poses a thought-provoking question to the listeners:
"What exactly is electricity? Who discovered it? How does it work? And is it possible to live without it?"

[03:10] Dr. Laurie Santos:
Introducing a brief interlude, Dr. Laurie Santos mentions her podcast "Happiness Lab," which focuses on happier parenting, though this segment is later skipped as it's part of the advertisement.

[03:55] Narrator:
Returning to the main topic, the narrator lists the myriad ways electricity influences our lives:
"Electricity cooks your food, heats and cools your home, and powers your games."

[04:50] Gerda:
Gerda clarifies a common misconception:
"It's silly because electricity wasn't invented. It's part of nature. In fact, you cannot live without it."
She explains that electricity is intrinsic to our bodily functions, such as the operation of the heart and brain.

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The Building Blocks: Atoms and Electrons

[05:43] Narrator:
A quiz question is posed to engage listeners:
"What do you think, smarty pants? Did you say B the movement of electron particles?"
The correct answer is confirmed by Frankensappen.

[06:03] Gerda:
She breaks down the concept of electrons originating from atoms:
"Electrons come from these super duper tiny things that make up everything."

[06:35] Narrator:
Further explanation about atoms:
"Atoms. A T O M S. The entire universe is made up of atoms."
Gerda uses an analogy comparing the nucleus of an atom to the sun in the solar system, explaining the roles of neutrons, protons, and electrons.

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Electricity in Action

[08:15] Narrator:
A practical demonstration is set up where Volker attempts to harness "the power of the universe" with a metal fork, leading to a humorous moment when Gerda intervenes:
"You will get a dangerous shock."

[09:04] Gerda:
She explains electrical conductors using the example of a metal fork:
"Most metals like this fork are composed of atoms that have electrons that break off and move freely. This is how electricity moves."

[09:57] Narrator:
Another quiz question engages listeners:
"What is the main ingredient most power plants need to make electricity? Is it A lightning, B. Fire, or C water?"
The correct answer is revealed to be water.

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Generating and Transmitting Electricity

[10:51] Gerda:
She introduces generators and turbines:
"With something called a generator. Most generators have a turbine, which is like a helicopter propeller."

[11:23] Gerda:
Gerda describes how steam (the gaseous version of water) spins the turbine to generate electricity:
"The steam spins the turbine, and the movement generates electricity through copper coils and magnets attached to the turbine."

[12:00] Volker:
Volker humorously claims control over "millions of lamps," leading to a simplified explanation of how electricity powers household devices through the electrical grid.

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Historical Context of Electricity

[13:11] Narrator:
The episode explores the history of electricity, questioning the role of Benjamin Franklin:
"So when did people first discover this kind of power? Was it all thanks to Ben Franklin's experiments with light?"

[17:36] Frankensappen:
Gerda provides historical insights:
"In 1752, when Ben Franklin experimented with lightning, electricity was still nothing new then. In fact, at that point, people had known about electricity for more than 2000 years."
She credits ancient Greek philosophers for their early studies on electricity, notably mentioning the Greek word for amber, "electron," which is the root of the word electricity.

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Fun with Static Electricity

[18:46] Gerda:
She shares simple experiments children can do at home to observe static electricity:
"If you're wearing socks, take off your shoes and shuffle your feet over a carpet... you can rub a balloon on your head and watch your hair stand up."
Gerda explains that these are examples of static electricity, emphasizing its harmless nature compared to electrical currents.

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Conclusion and Key Takeaways

[20:30] Frankensappen:
The episode concludes with a shoutout to a young listener, Ethan, encouraging him to keep learning and "smarting."

[20:43] Narrator:
Final remarks attribute the episode's creation to the talented team behind "Who Smarted?":
"This episode Electricity was written by Dave Brownout Beaudry and voiced by Jenna High Voltage Hoban Sheffield, Positively Charged Chastain and Jerry Colbert..."

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Notable Quotes

• Gerda [00:18]:
  "Electricity is very dangerous, you know."

• Gerda [04:55]:
  "It's silly because electricity wasn't invented. It's part of nature. In fact, you cannot live without it."

• Gerda [06:03]:
  "Electrons come from these super duper tiny things that make up everything."

• Gerda [07:41]:
  "Yes. And the positive protons and negative electrons are attracted to each other, which means they are always trying to get one another."

• Gerda [08:15]:
  "No. Valvine turbines and solar panels make some electricity. Most of the power you use comes from steel, called power plants."

• Gerda [13:31]:
  "In 1752, when Ben Franklin experimented with lightning, electricity was still nothing new then."

• Gerda [19:32]:
  "The electricity caused by socks and balloons is harmless. You know what we call it, smarty pants?"

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Final Thoughts

"What is Electricity Made of?" is a brilliantly crafted episode that combines scientific facts with humor and interactive elements, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable for kids. By engaging young minds with questions, demonstrations, and historical anecdotes, "Who Smarted?" successfully ignites curiosity and fosters a love for learning about the fundamental forces that power our world.

Whether used at home or in the classroom, this episode serves as an excellent educational tool, ensuring that learning about electricity is both fun and memorable for all listeners.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Hey, smarty pants. I'm super excited today because today I'm coming to you from inside the top secret laboratory of two scientists who are experts in the field of electricity. In fact, they've conducted lots of experiments.

[Gerda]

With electricity, but always safely. Electricity is very dangerous, you know.

[Volker]

Yes, danger.

[Gerda]

You must pardon my husband. He likes to mix science with emotion.

[Narrator]

Right. As I was saying, smarty pants, I'm.

[Frankensappen]

Joined by the electric scientist duo of.

[Narrator]

Gerda and Volker, or Frankensappe. Am I saying that right?

[Gerda]

Franken Zappe actually is pronounced Frankensapen, as in the zappen you will get if you're not careful with the electricity.

[Volker]

Yes, yes. Soon everyone will know the name Franken Zappen.

[Narrator]

Uh, you're not creating a terrifying monster by any chance?

[Gerda]

No, no, nothing like that. He's just hoping all these smarty hosen listening will remember our names.

[Narrator]

Ah, right. They probably will. We're only a minute in and you're already pretty memorable.

[Gerda]

So we'll.

[Narrator]

What are you working on?

[Gerda]

Fantastic feats with electric power. Walker here will demonstrate.

[Volker]

Watch as I flip the switch.

[Narrator]

I did it.

[Volker]

It's a light. It's a light.

[Narrator]

Yes, it is a light. You turned on the overhead lights. There appears to be a ceiling fan going too.

[Volker]

It worked.

[Gerda]

Very good, Volker.

[Narrator]

But it's just a light.

[Frankensappen]

Everyone has these at home.

[Gerda]

Ah, but we also have more than just light. We also have these slots built into our wall for all kinds of electrical devices. And if we put this box with prongs into it, if you light up this rectangle with squares we call apps.

[Volker]

It works.

[Narrator]

Um, you just plugged in your smartphone, which is good. You're only at 12% battery, but what's so special about that?

[Gerda]

That's so special. Have you no appreciation of the power of electricity?

[Volker]

Huh?

[Narrator]

The Franken Zappens do have a point, smarty pants. Just think how much of your life depends on electricity. But chances are you don't think too much about it. So what exactly is electricity? Who discovered it? How does it work? And is it possible to live without it? It's time for another whiff of science end history on how smarted.

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it?

[Frankensappen]

Is it me?

[Dr. Laurie Santos]

Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun on who's Smart.

[Host]

And modern parenting is tough. But to raise happier and healthier kids, parents need to focus on their well being too. I'm Dr. Laurie Santos, and in the new season of my podcast, the Happiness Lab, I'll be looking at happier parenting. We'll tackle many of the challenges facing modern parents, from loneliness to struggles over screen time and technology. We'll explore research backed strategies moms and dads can use to achieve more joy and less stress while raising the next generation. Listen to the Happiness Lab wherever you.

[Narrator]

Get your podcasts Smartypants, thanks to electricity, you can travel farther, fly higher, and sink deeper. Electricity cooks your food, heats and cools your home, and powers your games. Doctors and nurses use electricity to save lives. And of course, you use electricity to listen to your favorite podcast too Smart Ed. You use electricity for so many things, it's probably hard to imagine life without it. But get this. Just over 100 years ago, most electrical things didn't exist. So tell me Smartypants, when do you think electricity was invented? About 200 years ago, 300 years ago, or 500 years ago?

[Gerda]

That's a silly question, narrator.

[Narrator]

Is it? What do you think, smarty pants?

[Gerda]

It's silly because electricity wasn't invented. It's part of nature. In fact, you cannot live without it. Your body uses electricity to operate your heart, brain and nervous system. In fact, your brain produces so much electricity, if we were to screw a light bulb into your head, it could light up.

[Volker]

Let's try.

[Narrator]

Let's not. But Gerda is right when she said electricity has always been a part of nature and even within your body.

[Host]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

But what exactly is is electricity? Is it A, the flow of charged liquid, B, the movement of electron particles, or C the release of electrified gas? Not that gas.

[Gerda]

Sorry.

[Narrator]

Woo.

[Volker]

Too much liverwurst.

[Narrator]

Oh boy. Anywho, smarty pants, did you guess your answer? Did you say B the movement of electron particles?

[Frankensappen]

If so, you're right.

[Gerda]

Ah, but do you know where these particles come from?

[Narrator]

Any ideas, smarty pants?

[Gerda]

Electrons come from these super duper tiny things that make up everything.

[Narrator]

Aha. Do you know what those are called, smarty pants? Go ahead, shout it out. Did you say atoms? That's right. Electrons come from atoms. No, not those atoms. No, no, no, not Presidents John and Quincy. Atoms. Atoms. A T O M S.

[Frankensappen]

Basically everything.

[Narrator]

In the entire universe is made up of atoms. But they're so small you can fit millions of them onto the head of a pin.

[Gerda]

Ah, yes, Bot Finn. We are talking about electricity. It might help to think of something very, very big. Like the solar system.

[Narrator]

The solar system?

[Gerda]

Yes. You see, every atom has something in its center called a nucleus. Think of the nucleus like the sun. The nucleus is made of teeny tiny particles called neutrons and protons. Neutrons have no charge.

[Volker]

Not electric.

[Gerda]

Protons have a positive charge.

[Volker]

Electric.

[Gerda]

And then there are particles called electrons which orbit around the nucleus like planets orbiting the sun. Electrons have a negative charge, also electric.

[Narrator]

So wait, positive and negative charges are both electric?

[Gerda]

Yes. And the positive protons and negative electrons are attracted to each other, which means they are always trying to get one another.

[Narrator]

Like a magnet and a piece of metal.

[Gerda]

Exactly. If an atom has more protons than electrons, we call it a positive charged atomic. If there's more electrons, then it's a negative charged atom.

[Narrator]

What if there are an equal number of protons and electrons?

[Gerda]

Then the atom is in balance. Things like glass, plastic, cotton, and wood all have atoms that stay in balance.

[Volker]

Not very electric.

[Frankensappen]

It's true.

[Gerda]

Electricity does not flow easily through those objects. But in other materials, the atom's negative electrons can come loose and begin moving around looking for positive protons. And that movement is electricity.

[Volker]

And now, with this device, I will harness the power of the universe.

[Narrator]

Uh, you're just holding a metal fork. Yes.

[Gerda]

You see, most metals like this fork, are composed of atoms that have electrons that break off and move freely. This is how electricity moves. And that is why you should never put a fork next to something that supplies electricity, like a wall socket. You will get a dangerous shock. Metals like these are known as electrical conductors.

[Narrator]

Okay, but a fork and other metals by themselves are perfectly safe, right?

[Gerda]

Correct, Meiner.

[Narrator]

So the metals don't make the electricity?

[Gerda]

No. Valvine turbines and solar panels make some electricity. Most of the powder you use comes from steel, called power plants.

[Narrator]

Smarty pants, what is the main ingredient most power plants need to make electricity? Is it A lightning, B. Fire, or C water? Well, just like plants found in nature, most power plants need C water.

[Volker]

With enough water, I can create immeasurable power.

[Gerda]

Volcano. No, this is not how we make power. And it's not immeasurable. We measure electricity all the time with amps and volts and watts, etc.

[Volker]

Sorry about that.

[Gerda]

Hand me that towel. Water is a conductor of electricity. I don't want to get shocked with all these electrical things around me.

[Narrator]

So how do you use water to make electricity?

[Gerda]

With something called a generator. Most generators have a turbine, which is like a helicopter propeller, a rotating thing with blades. A power plant moves this turbine, sometimes this running water itself, but most times, visits gaseous version.

[Volker]

Oh, sorry, my bed.

[Narrator]

Smarty pants. What's the gaseous version of water? That's right. Steam.

[Gerda]

The steam spins the turbine, and the movement generates electricity through copper coils and magnets attached to the turbine. Magnetic forces push the electricity out from the generator through metal power lines, which, as I said before, are electrical conductors. A big system of power lines and other devices called a grid takes the electricity from power plants to your home.

[Volker]

And with this power, I can control millions.

[Gerda]

Of lamps.

[Narrator]

But don't I control the lights in my home? How do lamps turn on and off?

[Gerda]

Think of it like a drawbridge. The road leading to the bridge is the electrical conductor, like a metal wire. When you turn off a lamp, would you say the drawbridge is up or down?

[Narrator]

Smarty pants, what do you think? If the drawbridge is up, can you go over it?

[Gerda]

Of course not. Electricity will only travel over a connected path. It must be able to go into your lamp or TV or video games and then be able to go back out. It's only when it's passing through that your device gets the energy to work. When you turn off your device or flick the light switch, it's like raising the drawbridge. Suddenly there's a break in the electrical conductor, so electricity won't go through it.

[Narrator]

So when did people first discover this kind of power? Was it all thanks to Ben Franklin's experiments with light?

[Gerda]

No, no. Much simpler than that. In fact, it's electricity these Marty pants can make at home.

[Narrator]

Ooh, sounds fun. We'll hear all about it right after this quick break.

[Frankensappen]

This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science and social studies with interactive practice problems, games, and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun, just like whosmarted. For homeschool parents, iexcel is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class, whether they need extra help or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign up at ixl.com smarted Visit ixl.com smarted now to give your child the best learning support available. IXL where learning Clicks this podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. If you've got an idea, a brand, or a business, Squarespace can help you bring it to life online. So easily and so quickly. I started with their blueprint AI tool, and it's honestly kind of magical. You answer a few simple questions about your project, and it instantly builds a beautiful custom website with design layout, and it even had text suggestions that went perfectly with the idea that I was creating. It's like having a designer and copywriter on your team, but it's all done by the app. Then I discovered how easy it is to offer services and get paid. You can add bookings, send invoices, accept payments, and even schedule automated emails, all right from your site. No plugins, no chaos, no extra apps. And figuring all that out, just a smooth professional setup that actually works right out of the box. And it saved me a ton of money and time. So if you're ready to build something real, head to squarespace.com smarted for a free trial.

[Narrator]

And when you're ready to launch, use.

[Frankensappen]

Offer code smarted to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com smarted hey, smartypants. Trusty here with a special mission for all the smartypants listening. But unlike a top secret mission, this.

[Narrator]

Mission requires you to tell everyone. That's right.

[Frankensappen]

Your job is to spread the word about who smarted so we can keep growing and bringing you awesome new episodes. To qualify for this mission, let's play a little game.

[Narrator]

Who do you know that would love.

[Frankensappen]

Who smarted but doesn't listen to the show? Is it A, a friend, B, a teacher, C, a relative, like your favorite cousin, or D, a neighbor who loves fun facts? Got someone in mind?

[Narrator]

Great. Question 2.

[Frankensappen]

Where and when will you tell this.

[Narrator]

Person about who's smarted?

[Frankensappen]

Is it A, on a play date, B, at school, C, in the car, or D, on the phone?

[Narrator]

Pick one, make a plan, stick to.

[Frankensappen]

It, and best of all, complete this.

[Narrator]

Not so top secret mission.

[Frankensappen]

I'm counting on you, Smartypants.

[Narrator]

The more people you tell, the bigger we grow.

[Frankensappen]

Which means a lot more smarting for you.

[Narrator]

Now back to who smarted? Okay, Smartypants, thanks to scientists Gerda and Volker Frankensaben, we know electricity wasn't invented, but rather discovered and studied. So when do you think that happened? During the 1800s? The 1700s?

[Frankensappen]

Earlier or more recent?

[Gerda]

You may think because we have all these electrical marvels today, that electricity was only discovered within the past 200 years. And yes, scientist Michael Faraday's invention of the electric generator in 1831 did lead to our modern electric world. But electricity was well known by then.

[Narrator]

So then the 1700s?

[Gerda]

Nope. In 1752, when Ben Franklin experimented with lightning, electricity was still nothing new then. In fact, at that point, people had known about electricity for more than 2000 years. Believe it or not, ancient Greek philosophers studied electricity, the certain kind that the smartyhosen can make right at home.

[Narrator]

Um, two things. First, smartyhosen is smarty pants in German. And also they can make electricity at home.

[Gerda]

How? Simple. If you're wearing socks, take off your shoes and shuffle your feet over a carpet. Don't touch anything. Then tap a friend or family member and you might feel a little zap. Or you can rub a balloon on your head and watch your hair stand up. In both instances, electrons are moving through your body. Because people are good intelligence. Electrical conductors.

[Narrator]

Which is why electricity can be very dangerous.

[Gerda]

Yes, but the electricity caused by socks and balloons is harmless. You know what we call it, smarty pants?

[Narrator]

Is it A, static electricity, B, metric electricity, or C magnetic electricity? That's right. It's static electricity.

[Gerda]

The Greeks made static electricity by rubbing amber from trees on fire. And you know what the ancient Greek word for amber is?

[Narrator]

What is it?

[Gerda]

Electron. That's where we get the word electricity.

[Volker]

I will now use this power to make hundreds of explosions.

[Narrator]

Um, are you making microwave popcorn? You want some? No, I think I'll head home. I'm feeling zapped.

[Frankensappen]

A big time shout out to Ethan in Modesto, California. We hear you love who's Smarted because you're always learning new things. That, my smarty friend, is what we like to hear. Keep on smarting, buddy.

[Narrator]

This episode Electricity was written by Dave Brownout Beaudry and voiced by Jenna High Voltage Hoban Sheffield, Positively Charged Chastain and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Megahertz Hahn, who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios. Our associate producer is Max Circuit Breaker Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Short Circuit Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Watts Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.