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How do hard drives work? - Kanawat Senanan

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The modern hard drive is an object that can likely hold more information than your local library. But how does it store so much information in such a small space? Kanawat Senanan details the generations of engineers, material scientists, and quantum physicists who influenced the creation of this incredibly powerful and precise tool.

Hard drives use magnetic film as a storage medium. What are other ways to store a large amount of data in a small space? Compare their advantage or disadvantage against each other.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Kanawat Senanan
  • Animator Franz Palomares
  • Composer David Obuchowski
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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