It is something that many people have wondered over the past centuries. However, the question is poorly formulated, because electricity occurs in nature, so it was not invented by anyone. What it was is taken to another level to serve as use and lighting in the dark nights. With respect to who discovered electricity, there are a lot of misconceptions spread by the networks and by word of mouth.
In this article we are going to clarify all doubts and disprove some erroneous beliefs that exist in today's society. Do you want to know who really discovered electricity? Keep reading because we tell you everything in detail.
History of electricity
Some think that the discoverer of electricity is Benjamin FranklinHowever, this is not entirely true. The reality is somewhat different. Franklin was conducting experiments to better understand the connection between electricity and natural phenomena, such as lightning. The famous kite experiment, in which he managed to capture electricity from a storm, was not so much a discovery of electricity as a demonstration that lightning and electric sparks were manifestations of the same phenomenon.
The history of electricity is more complex than many assume, going back several millennia in human history. In fact, long before Franklin was born in 600 BC, the ancient Greeks had already discovered a rudimentary form of electricity. If They rubbed the skin of an animal with tree resin, a phenomenon of attraction between both objects occurred. This phenomenon, which we now call static electricity, was one of the first known manifestations of electricity.
Furthermore, archaeological research has revealed that objects that could have functioned as rudimentary batteries already existed in ancient Roman times. Urns containing copper sheets have been found that could have been used to generate electricity.
However, it was not until the 17th century that more important discoveries about electricity were made, beginning with the first electrostatic generator, which allowed scientists to study this phenomenon more closely.
Several important researchers
Over the centuries, many names have left their mark on the history of electricity. These pioneers not only contributed to the knowledge we have of electricity today, but they also created tools that laid the groundwork for the technological advances we enjoy today.
One of those great researchers was the English doctor william gilbert, who in 1600 coined the term “electricus” to describe the phenomenon of attraction between materials such as amber. In fact, the word electricity comes from the Greek “elektron”, meaning amber.
Gilbert's work was later developed by Thomas Browne, another English scientist, who added further clarity to our notions of electrical conductivity and insulation. In his work, he investigated how some materials carried electrical charge better than others, a crucial difference between conductors and insulators.
Of course, we cannot forget Alessandro Volta, who discovered that chemical reactions could induce electric currents. In 1800, Volta created the first electric battery, called the voltaic cell, which allowed a constant flow of electricity to be generated. This invention revolutionized the world and introduced the concept of electrical storage.
Electromagnetism also played a fundamental role in the advances of electricity thanks to researchers such as Michael Faraday, who discovered electromagnetic induction, a key principle for developing electrical generators.
Modern electricity
While Franklin, Volta and Faraday are responsible for laying the foundations of modern electricity, other scientists took the science to new heights in the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century.
One of the most notable, without a doubt, was thomas edison, who created the first electric light bulb with an incandescent filament, which made electric light accessible to the masses. Although Edison was not the first to invent a light bulb, he was the first to do so in a way that was practical, long-lasting, and safe for everyday use.
But if Edison was key in the development of electricity, we cannot fail to mention Nikola Tesla, who took electricity to its maximum expression with the development of the alternating current (AC)Tesla not only worked on the development of alternating current, but also pioneered the creation of a polyphase distribution system, the type of system we use today in our electrical grids.
This breakthrough was driven by George Westinghouse, who bought Tesla's patents and created the first alternating current motors and generators for large-scale commercial use. Thanks to him, mass production of electricity became possible, and marked the beginning of the electrification of cities.
Thus we arrive at the 20th century, when electricity became established as an essential service in human life. During this time, the competition between Edison and Tesla, known as the "War of the Currents”, set the tone for the future development of electrical energy.
Who Really Discovered Electricity?
The question of who discovered electricity does not have a simple answer. As we have shown throughout this article, electricity is something that has evolved over centuries of research and experiments. However, some people played a more significant role than others.
Electricity is not a human invention; it is a natural phenomenon that has existed since the beginning of time. What we have done is figure out how to use it, how to manage it, and how to integrate it into our daily lives. From the ancient Greeks, who discovered static electricity, to Tesla and Edison, who brought electricity to the masses, many names have left their mark on this fascinating history.
Far from over, however, the story of electricity continues. As we move towards a more sustainable future, electricity remains a hot topic in scientific research and experimentation, from the development of new forms of renewable energy to the complete electrification of our vehicles and transportation systems.
For those who want to know how to improve their energy consumption or are simply fascinated by the history of science, electricity is a field that offers many reasons to continue researching.