A Brief History
On August 29, 1831, Michael Faraday of England discovered electromagnetic induction, the interaction of electricity and magnetism that allows the creation of the electric induction motor and the generator, among other things. The application of this knowledge ushered in the Electrical Age of Man, as modern appliances became possible utilizing this basic knowledge.
Digging Deeper
In conjunction with other scientists of the time, notably James Clerk Maxwell of Scotland, Faraday’s work also led to the development of all sorts of meters, welding machines, electric induction ovens, wireless energy transfer, electric clamping, electric seals and others. Linear magnetic induction makes quickly accelerating roller coasters and rail guns possible, as well as magnetic levitation devices and certain pumps. Even spacecraft propulsion may rely on such a concept.
Can you imagine a world without generators and electric motors? It seems we owe Mr. Faraday and his contemporaries quite a debt of gratitude. Michael Faraday was not just an electromagnetic pioneer, but was also an accomplished chemist and was the discoverer of Benzene. He also invented a laboratory burner similar to the later Bunsen Burner.
A simplified explanation of electromagnetic induction is that a magnet passing through a coil of wire produces electricity, and an electric current passing through a coil produces a magnetic field. These processes are what makes all these devices possible. The so called electromotive force is what moves the motor, closes the circuit, moves the needle in a meter, etc.. (Please do not get frustrated by the oversimplification, my degree is in Sociology.)
Without the work of Faraday, Maxwell, and others, the nifty inventions of Edison, Bell, and Tesla (among others) would not have happened. Perhaps History should celebrate Faraday et al a bit more. We have done our part!
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: Who is your favorite inventor?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Forbes, Nancy and Basil Mahon. Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field: How Two Men Revolutionized Physics. Prometheus, 2014.
Ludwig, Charles. Michael Faraday: Father of Electronics. Herald Press, 1978.
