Introduction to the

History of Electricity
Electricity has been a fundamental part of human civilization for
centuries, powering everything from our homes to our industries. This
presentation will take you on a journey through the captivating history
of this essential force, exploring its origins, development, and impact on
the world.

by The Boss
Early Discoveries and Experiments
1 Ancient Greece
In the 6th century BC, Greek philosophers like Thales of Miletus observed
that rubbing fur on amber caused it to attract lightweight objects,
demonstrating the principles of static electricity.

2 1600s: Electrical Science Begins

Pioneers like William Gilbert conducted early experiments, coining the term
"electricity" and distinguishing it from magnetism. They began to
understand the fundamental nature of electric charge.

3 1700s: Groundbreaking Discoveries

Scientists like Benjamin Franklin and Michael Faraday made crucial
discoveries, such as the existence of positive and negative charges and the
relationship between electricity and magnetism.
The Invention of the Battery
In 1800, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta invented the first electric
battery, known as the Voltaic Pile. This revolutionary device could
produce a steady electric current, paving the way for numerous scientific
discoveries and technological advancements in the field of electricity.

Volta's invention demonstrated that electricity could be generated

through a chemical reaction, rather than relying solely on static
electricity or lightning. This opened up new realms of experimentation
and set the stage for the widespread use of electricity in the modern
world.
The discovery of the atoms and thier
components and thier relationship with
electricity
1. The groundbreaking discoveries of atoms and their subatomic particles, like electrons and
protons, revolutionized our understanding of electricity.
2. Experiments by scientists like J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford revealed the structure of the
atom and how the flow of electrons generates electric currents.
3. The relationship between the behavior of these tiny particles and the flow of electricity paved
the way for technological advancements in fields like electronics, power generation, and
telecommunications.
The Electromagnetic Induction and the
Dynamo
The discovery of electromagnetic induction by
Michael Faraday in 1831 was a pivotal moment
in the history of electricity. Faraday found that
by moving a magnet through a coil of wire, he
could generate an electric current, laying the
foundation for the dynamo and generator.

The dynamo, invented in the 1860s, was a

crucial technology that allowed for the large-
scale generation and distribution of electric
power. By using electromagnetic induction,
dynamos could convert mechanical energy
into electrical energy, powering the first electric
motors and lighting systems.
The Rise of Electrical Appliances

The Electric Iron The Electric Vacuum The Electric Toaster The Electric
The invention of the
Cleaner The versatile electric
Refrigerator
electric iron in the late The electric vacuum toaster, invented in The development of
19th century cleaner, first the 1920s, allowed the electric
revolutionized introduced in the households to easily refrigerator in the
household chores, 1900s, made cleaning prepare toast, bagels, 1920s revolutionized
allowing clothes to be carpets and floors and other breakfast food preservation,
pressed quickly and much easier, saving items with the simple keeping perishable
efficiently without the homeowners push of a lever. items cool and fresh
need for a heated significant time and for much longer than
metal iron. effort compared to traditional ice boxes.
manual sweeping.
The Advent of Alternating Current
George Electrical The Current War Niagara Falls
Westinghouse Transmission
Westinghouse's The successful use of
George AC allowed for more advocacy of AC AC to power the 1893
Westinghouse, an efficient and cost- sparked a fierce World's Fair in
American effective rivalry with Thomas Chicago and the
entrepreneur, played transmission of Edison, who subsequent
a pivotal role in the electricity over long championed DC. electrification of
adoption of distances, making it This "Current War" Niagara Falls further
alternating current the preferred choice ultimately led to the solidified the
(AC) technology. He for power triumph of AC as the technology's
recognized its distribution dominant electricity superiority and
advantages over networks. standard. widespread
direct current (DC) adoption.
and pushed for its
widespread use.
The Electrification of Cities and Homes
1 Urban Electrification
As electricity became more reliable and
affordable, cities began to install
streetlights, power factories, and electrify
public transportation, transforming the
urban landscape.
3 Ubiquitous Availability
Electrical grids and distribution systems
were expanded, making electricity
accessible to a growing number of
citizens, even in rural areas.
2 Residential Adoption
Homes were gradually wired for electricity,
allowing the introduction of electric lights,
appliances, and heating, revolutionizing
domestic life and comfort.
4 Societal Impact
The electrification of cities and homes had
a profound impact on daily life, enabling
new industries, improving public health,
and providing conveniences that were
previously unimaginable.
The Development of Electrical Power Grids

Generation
1 Large power plants produce electricity

Transmission
2
High-voltage lines deliver power long distances

Distribution
3 Local grids supply power to homes and
businesses

Electrical power grids evolved to efficiently deliver electricity from centralized generation facilities to
end users. Power is generated at large plants, transmitted over high-voltage lines, and then
distributed through local grids to homes and businesses. This interconnected system powers
modern civilization and enables the reliable supply of electricity.
The Future of Electricity and Renewable
Energy

30%
Electricity

70%
Renewable

—
Global Electricity Generation
By 2050, renewable sources are projected to make up 70% of global electricity generation, with
traditional fossil fuels declining to only 30%.

As the world continues to shift towards sustainable energy, the future of electricity is poised to be
dominated by renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Advances in technology
and falling costs have made renewable energy increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels,
driving rapid global adoption.

Governments and businesses are investing heavily in large-scale renewable energy projects, from
vast solar farms to offshore wind turbines, to meet ambitious climate goals and reduce reliance on
finite and polluting fossil fuels. This transition will transform how we power our homes, businesses,
and transportation, ushering in a new era of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.