Electricity is a fundamental part of our daily lives, powering everything from our homes to our workplaces. But who invented electricity? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
The Discovery of Static Energy
The first recorded discovery of static energy was made by a Greek philosopher named Thales Miletus in 600 B.C. However, it wasn’t until after the Dark Ages that the phenomenon of electricity began to be studied. In the 1600s, an English physicist named William Gilbert conducted experiments with various materials and discovered that certain substances, such as amber, could be charged by rubbing them against other materials.
The Invention of the First Electric Battery
Fast forward to 1792, when Alessandro Volta made discoveries that led to the invention of the first electric battery. This invention paved the way for further developments in the field of electricity.
The Battle of Currents
In the late 1800s, the “Battle of Currents” took place between two famous inventors: Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Edison developed direct current (DC), which was the sole source of power for American homes at the time. Tesla, on the other hand, invented the alternating current (AC) generator, which is the basis for the modern electricity supply system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Thales Miletus discovered static energy in 600 B.C., it was Alessandro Volta who invented the first electric battery in 1792. The development of electricity continued with the “Battle of Currents” between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, with Tesla’s invention of the AC generator paving the way for the modern power supply system.
Sources:
Electricity Through The Years | Infographic Plaza
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