Michael Faraday

Background

Michael Faraday was born on September 22, 1791, and was a famous English scientist. He contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Some of his most notable discoveries include electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and electrolysis. He established the basis for the concept of the electromagnetic field in physics through his research on the magnetic field. He also established various other electromagnetic fundamentals like the fact that magnetism could affect rays of light.

In 1813, Faraday was employed by Humphry Davy as an assistant and his career in chemistry began there. Later, in 1820, he reported the first synthesis of compounds made from carbon and chlorine and he published the results the following year. In 1821, Faraday started the experiments that formed the foundation of modern electromagnetic technology. However, in his excitement to share his research and discoveries, Faraday forgot to acknowledge the other two scientists who helped him and this led him to a strained relationship with his mentor. Consequently, he was unable to continue his research on electromagnetism for several years. In 1931, after the death of his mentor, Faraday began his legendary series of experiments in which he discovered electromagnetic induction. In 1845 he conducted a series of experiments that led to a phenomenon called the Faraday Effect. This describes the phenomenon that occurs when the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light is rotated by the application of an external magnetic field aligned with the direction in which the light is moving.

Faraday died in 1867. He is considered the father of electromagnetism and he is a fundamental figure in the scientific world today.