Contents
Michael Faraday
Discovering electromagnetic induction, the basis of electric generators.
Electrochemistry · Royal Institution
- Born
- 22 September 1791
- Birthplace
- Newington Butts, London, England
- Died
- 25 August 1867
More people
Michael Faraday
Michael Faraday was an English experimental scientist whose work connected electricity, magnetism and chemistry. With limited formal education, he developed experiments and physical ideas that helped underpin modern electrical technology.
Early life
Working family
The son of a blacksmith, he received only a basic school education.
Bookbinding apprenticeship
Read scientific works while apprenticed to a London bookbinder.
Career
- 1813
Royal Institution
Became Humphry Davy’s laboratory assistant after attending his lectures.
- 1820s
Independent research
Investigated electromagnetic rotation, gases and chemical substances.
- 1831 onwards
Electrical discoveries
Developed experiments on induction and the laws of electrolysis.
- Later decades
Research and teaching
Continued laboratory work and public lectures at the Royal Institution.
Contributions
Electromagnetic rotation
Demonstrated continuous motion produced through electricity and magnetism.
Induction experiments
Showed that changing magnetic conditions could generate an electric current.
Light and magnetism
Demonstrated a magnetic effect on polarised light.
Beyond the lab
Sarah Barnard
Married in 1821; their partnership continued throughout his career.
Public lectures
Made experimental science accessible through lectures, including those for young audiences.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
