Early Attempts at Electrical Power
For a long time, scientists knew about electricity and were very interested in it. In the 1700s scientists, such as Benjamin Franklin, preformed many important experiments. Yet, still nobody could develop a way to harness electricity and put it to use.
Michael Faraday
In 1831, English chemist Michael Faraday found the correlation among magnetism and electricity. This finding of Faraday’s led to the dynamo, a device that generated electricity by shifting a magnet through a coil of copper wire. He used the electricity to fuel an electric motor, and his discoveries led to the development of electrical generators. |
Other Scientists
During the 1800s other scientist also invented appliances that used electrical energy. In 1860 Joseph Swan, a British chemist, created a basic electric light bulb that gave off illumination by passing heat across a little shred of paper. Unfortunately, Joseph Swan’s light bulb did not glow for an extended period of time, and it’s light was too faint. Swan’s work was a foundation, but it was almost 40 years before the development of a practical light bulb. |
Edison's Lightbulb
Thomas Edison developed the first practical and functional light bulb in 1879, based on the labor of Faraday and Swan. The new creation caused uproar. This invention didn’t come effortlessly, even to Edison. Instead, it came through experiments and many hours of exertion in his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. As Edison’s examination became known, young people who shared his desire for inventing gathered at his lab to work for him. Not only did he invent the the light bulb, Edison and his team created generators, motors, light sockets, and other electrical apparatuses.
City Electrical Utility System
Edison also played a key part in growth of city electrical utility systems. He built the world’s first central electric power plant in New York City. The plant produced enough power to illuminate numerous city blocks. Many ways of life became easier as a product of Edison’s work.
Edison also played a key part in growth of city electrical utility systems. He built the world’s first central electric power plant in New York City. The plant produced enough power to illuminate numerous city blocks. Many ways of life became easier as a product of Edison’s work.
Effects on Industry and Daily Life
In both the United States and Europe, the extensive accessibility of electric power altered industry. Electric power enhanced industry in three noteworthy ways. First, by using electric power, factories no longer had to depend on enormous steam engines to run machines. Second, factories did not have to rely on waterways to drive the steam engines. Third, factory assembly improved as factories became less reliant on sunlight. Workers could remain on the job late into the night, with electric lighting in workshops.
Daily Life
Not only did it change industry, electricity transformed daily life. Before the public had power, they lit their houses with candles, gaslights, or oil lamps. Electricity offered an inexpensive, more accessible light source. Inventors soon invented other electrical appliances that made everyday life more convenient.
Not only did it change industry, electricity transformed daily life. Before the public had power, they lit their houses with candles, gaslights, or oil lamps. Electricity offered an inexpensive, more accessible light source. Inventors soon invented other electrical appliances that made everyday life more convenient.