Brief History of the
Electromagnetic Theory
Lesson Objectives:
1. Trace the development of the
electromagnetic theory.
2. Discuss the basic principles of EM
wave
3. Explain some applications of EM
wave
Oersted, Ampere,
Faraday, Henry, Hertz
and Maxwell
>understanding of the
concepts of
electromagnetic theory.
Hans Christian Oersted
> Danish physicist
> accidentally discovered in 1820
that a magnetic needle is deflected
when the current in a nearby wire
varies
>relationship between electricity and
magnetism.
Andre-Marie Ampere
>influenced by Oersted's
discovery
>performed a series of
experiments
(electric currents - various types
of conductors)
>law of electromagnetism, called
after him Ampere’s Law that
describes mathematically the
magnetic force between two
electrical currents.
Michael Faraday
>first discovery of electromagnetism in
1821.
>in 1831 achieved an electrical current from
a changing magnetic field(electromagnetic
induction)
> found that when an electrical current
passed through a coil, another very short
current was generated in a nearby coil.
>used today to generate electricity on large
scale power stations.
James Clerk Maxwell,
>proposed Faraday’s electromagnetic
induction to happen even in empty
space.
>He added two basic principles of
electromagnetism: (1) a changing
electric field in space produces a
magnetic field, (2) a changing
magnetic field in space produces
electric field.
>Contributed in developing equations
that showed the relationship of
electricity and magnetism
Maxwell
>proposed that the alteration of electric
and magnetic fields, generating and
propelling each other in space, can be
thought of as a form of moving energy.
>this form of energy as a wave which he
called electromagnetic wave.
>Using mathematical computations based
on his theoretical assumption and the
numerical results of Faraday’s
experiments, Maxwell concluded that the
speed of electromagnetic waves must be 3
x 108 m/s.
Heinrich Hertz
designed an experimental set up
that was electrical in nature and
able to generate and detect
electromagnetic waves.
Joseph Henry
> was able to wrap a large number of turns
of wire around the core and thus greatly
increase the power of the magnet.
>made an electromagnet that could
support 2 063 pounds (world record)
>he started to build a large electromagnet.
>was the first to notice the principle of self-
induction
Assignment 1
