Data Sheet
-4-
About Electricity
5. What did people do in electricity research? 6. Unit of Electricity
7. Application of Electricity
8. What is Triboelectrication?
Q: What did people do in electricity research after Miletus’ discovery?
A: Dating back to the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin, a famous American scientist, proved
that lightning was caused by electricity by describing an experiment in which an electrical
conductor would be used to extract power from a thundercloud. In the experiment, he ew
a kite with a metal key attached to it into a suitable cloud. The precise historical details are unclear,
but he may have then retrieved the key and discharged electricity from it. By using the principles,
he successfully invented the lightning rod. In 1799, the Italian scientist Alessandro Volta went on
to create a “voltaic pile” consisting of alternating layers of copper and zinc
separated by paper soaked in salt water. This generated a larger current
and is credited as the rst battery. In 1821, the English scientist Michael
Faraday created the world’s rst electric motor, even though it was very
simple. All the motors that we use today are based on that design. Ten
years later, Faraday made another contribution to the world with his
second crucial invention, the dynamo. In 1866, the rst industrial dynamo
was invented by a German named Siemens.
Q: What is the unit for electricity?
A: Electricity has various related units of measure. Electrical current ow
is measured in Amperes (Amps), which is named in honor of the famous
French physician André-Marie Ampère and the contribution
that he made. Electrical resistance is measured in Ohms,
which is named after the German physicist George Ohm
for his contributions. Electrical force, or the electrical
difference of potential that would drive one ampere
of current against one ohm of resistance, is
measured in Volts, which is named after the Italian
physicist Alessandro Volta for his contributions.
Electrical power is measured in Watts, which is
named after the famous Scottish inventor James
Watt for his contributions.
Q: All the home appliances don’t work when a blackout
happens. It is very inconvenient without electricity in life.
A: Absolutely! We need electricity
a lot because it can either be
used for cooking, watching TV, or
transportation.
Q: I found it very interesting that a plastic ruler cannot
attract any bits of paper, but when it is rubbed against hair
several times it does.
A: Yes, that’s it! This is the phenomenon of
Triboelectrication. Rubbing glass with fur,
or a comb through your hair, can build up
triboelectricity. Most everyday static
electricity is triboelectric. The polarity and
strength of the charges produced differ
according to the materials, surface
roughness, temperature, strain, and other
properties.
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