Introduction
Magnetism and electricity are fundamental physical concepts that determine the distribution of charges in nature. There is a close connection between these two phenomena, and their intersection creates a separate field of study in physics called electromagnetism. This essay proposes a study of electricity and magnetism, discussing the history of their study and describing their physical nature. This will formulate a deeper understanding of each of the concepts of physics, as well as draw parallels between magnetic and electric forces.
History of Discoveries
Humans have long noticed that certain natural materials have the ability to be attracted to each other and have used them for marine and terrestrial primitive navigation. One of the first scientists to pay particular attention to electromagnets was the English physician William Gilbert, who not only coined the term “electricity” but also proved that the planet Earth is a large magnet with two poles (Manousakis 1). After Gilbert, significant milestones in the study of electricity and magnetism were made by Franklin, who proved the natural origin of these phenomena, and Galvani, who conducted biophysiological tests of electricity, and Tesla (Arrighi 82). The most profound contributions came from Faraday, who was able to construct the first electromagnetic motor, and Maxwell, who discovered the wave properties of electromagnetism (Arrighi 167). The study of these phenomena continues to this day.
Comparison of Concepts
Magnetism and electricity have many features in common, although they differ from each other. For example, magnetic forces must be thought of as forces that cause objects to attract or repel each other, whereas electric forces describe the ordered motion of charged particles (Patrick et al. 4; Curilef 1). The connection between the two concepts is causal: the electric motion of charged particles creates a magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic fields of other objects. The magnetic field can also cause the motion of electric particles, so it is true to say that both physical phenomena are causes and effects of each other.
Conclusion
To summarize, magnetism and electricity are among the basic concepts of physics. Both phenomena describe the propagation of charges in space and, although different, have many similarities, including a related origin. The most significant contributions to the study of electricity and magnetism have been made by scientists of the last five hundred years, including Gilbert, Franklin, Galvani, Faraday, Tesla, and Maxwell. Thanks to them, wireless communication technology and electrophysiological and magnetic equipment exist today.
Works Cited
Arrighi, Gillian. “Circus and Electricity: Staging Connexions Between Science and Popular Entertainments.” Circus, Science and Technology: Dramatising Innovation, 2020, pp. 81-100.
Curilef, Sergio. Magnetometers: Fundamentals and Applications of Magnetism. Books on Demand, 2020.
Manousakis, Nikolaos M. “Advanced Electrical Measurements Technologies.” Energies, vol. 15, no. 9, 2022, pp. 1-16.
Patrick, Dale R., and Stephen W. Fardo. Electricity and Electronics Fundamentals. CRC Press, 2020.