Oersted demonstrating electromagnetism, magnetism produced by an electric charge in motion. Hans Christian Orsted (1777-1851) was a Danish physicist and chemist who discovered that electric currents create magnetic fields. In 1820 Oersted noticed a compass needle deflected from magnetic north when an electric current from a battery was switched on and off, showing a relationship between electricity and magnetism. His initial interpretation was that magnetic effects radiate from all sides of a wire carrying an electric current, as do light and heat. He began more intensive investigations and published his findings, showing that an electric current produces a circular magnetic field as it flows through a wire. In 1825, Oersted made a significant contribution to chemistry by producing aluminium for the first time isolating the element via a reduction of aluminium chloride. The unit of magnetic induction (oersted) is named for him. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Science Source |
Bildgröße: | 4719 px × 3232 px |
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