1888 1600 1924

William Gilbert makes the distinction

Nikola Tesla patents the first
alternating current (AC) motor.
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between static electricity and
magnetism.
Engineer Caroline Haslett becomes the
He introduces the word ‘electricus’ head of the new Electrical Association
which means ‘like amber’ in Latin. for Women.
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1860 1876 3100 BC

The ancient Egyptians realise that

they can get a shock from some
Joseph Swan invents the Alexander Graham Bell electric fish but electrical currents are
first electric light bulb. patents the first telephone. not understood.
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 1880 1935 1917

Cragside, in Northumberland,
becomes the first house to be lit The National Grid becomes operational Ida Forbes invents the
using hydroelectricity. and supplies electricity to the UK. electric hot water heater.
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1914 1752 1879

Benjamin Franklin conducts an

experiment to prove that lightning is Thomas Edison and Lewis
Florence Parpart invents electrical. He attaches a key to a kite Latimer develop the modern
the electric refrigerator. and flies it into a lightning storm. electric light bulb.
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 600 BC 1800 1917

The ancient Greeks discover that rubbing
amber made objects attract to it. They
think this is to do with magnetism but
they actually observe static electricity.
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Alessandro Volta invents
the first battery.
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Michael Faraday produces an electrical
current from a magnetic field by using
a magnet inside a coil of wire. This is
known as electromagnetic induction.
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