Some Electrical Theory Behind Tesla Coils

There are many people more qualified than I to describe the workings of Tesla coils. You can find many of them on the links page. Be that as it may I will try to describe the basic function of the essential components and how they work together. Please if anyone finds an error in my explanation, point it out to me so I can correct it.
I'm trying to explain this in a simplified manner to make it accessible to a larger audience. If you want to see a more technical explanation see: http://www.classictesla.com/papers/tctc.pdf Also you may want to look for a basic electronics textbook like the ones I reference at the end of this section.

(In the process of trying to explain it maybe I will understand it better.)

It must be stated clearly that no "free" energy is created with a Tesla coil. Tesla coils can convert a fairly high voltage at a high current in the primary tank circuit into a very high voltage high frequency but low current in the secondary circuit. Energy is lost to heat, light and radiated electromagnetic energy.