tesla coil operation illustration (fwd)

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:35:47 -0500
From: Jim <branley1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: tesla-request@xxxxxxxxxx, Tesla list <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: tesla coil operation illustration

Hi Folks:

You helped me build my 9kv, 60ma tesla coil this past spring. Thanks for 
the help it is alot of fun. I was wondering if any body has an 
illustration of what is going on when a tesla coil is in operation. I 
try to explain the operation to people and do not know how accurate I 
am. There is alot of things going on at the same time. It would be nice 
to understand this process more.

Sometimes my explanation is something like this      "Imagine a large 
tub of water being tapped on the side of the tub with a hammer. Picture 
the waves being made. The water waves in the tub will be more frequent 
because you are tapping on the tub faster than they can dissipate. Some 
waves will eventually coincide with each other and when they do they 
will become larger."     Is this a semi-accurate picture? How would you 
suggest I elaborate on this picture?

Thanks for all of the great help!
Jim