You are not currently logged in. Please create an account or log in to view the full course.

Physics   >   Battle of the Currents: AC vs DC

Electromagnetic Induction

 
  • About
  • Transcript
  • Cite

Battle of the Currents: AC vs DC

In this course, Professor Bruce Hunt (The University of Texas at Austin) explores the history of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). In the first mini-lecture, we learn about the developments in the understanding of electricity and magnetism that lead to the discovery of electromagnetic induction. In the second mini-lecture, we explore magnetos, dynamos, and electric lights as we delve into the era of the incandescent light bulb, electrical power systems, and DC. In the third mini-lecture, we introduce alternating current (AC) and the notorious “battle of the currents”. In the fourth mini-lecture, we learn about transformers and their ability to provide high voltages for efficient transmission and low voltages for safe use. In the fifth mini-lecture, we delve more deeply into the battle of the currents and discuss the developments made towards today’s integrated electrical power systems, or ‘grids’.

Electromagnetic Induction

In this mini-lecture, we learn about the developments in the understanding of electricity and magnetism that lead to the discovery of electromagnetic induction. In particular, we consider: (i) the etymology of the word ‘electric’, which comes from the Greek word for ‘amber’ since amber gives off a strong charge when rubbed; (ii) Alessandro Volta (after whom the Volt is named), who devised the first electrical battery known as the ‘pile’; (iii) Hans Christian Øersted, who found that a current from a battery could exert magnetic effects; (iv) a demonstration of the electromagnetic effect discovered by Øersted; (v) the invention of the electromagnet; (vi) Michael Faraday’s electromagnetic rotation device and his discovery of electromagnetic induction; (vii) a demonstration of electromagnetic induction; and (viii) the Faraday coil and the importance of Faraday’s discoveries to the electrical power industry we rely on today.

Cite this Lecture

APA style

Hunt, B. (2023, January 10). Battle of the Currents: AC vs DC - Electromagnetic Induction [Video]. MASSOLIT. https://massolit.io/courses/battle-of-the-currents-ac-vs-dc/magnetos-dynamos-and-electric-lights

MLA style

Hunt, B. "Battle of the Currents: AC vs DC – Electromagnetic Induction." MASSOLIT, uploaded by MASSOLIT, 10 Jan 2023, https://massolit.io/courses/battle-of-the-currents-ac-vs-dc/magnetos-dynamos-and-electric-lights

Lecturer