Exploring Electrical Technology
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Transcript Exploring Electrical Technology
Exploring Electrical
Technology
Origins of Electricity & Magnetism
(E & M)
Origins of E & M
► Before
the time of Christ:
those who became familiar with the
mysterious repulsive and attractive
forces of certain materials included
► Lodestone:
also known as magnetite, is a
magnetic oxide of a common metal that has
magnetic properties
See also:
http://www.phy6.org/earthmag/lodeston.htm
Origins of E & M:
Chinese
► Chinese:
probably 1st to use
lodestone for navigation
► According to Timetables of Science
Chinese Book of the devil valley master contains
first known reference to lodestone’s alignment
with Earth’s magnetic field; here the
lodestone is called a “south-pointer” (310-301 BC)
Origins of E & M:
Chinese
► According
to Timetables of Science
In China, by 271 AD, the first form of a
compass was probably used for finding south
Tseng Kung Liang’s Wu Ching tsung yao (a
compendium of important military techniques)
describes the magnetized iron “fish” that floats
in water and can be used for finding south;
about the same time Chinese began applying
the compass for navigation, most likely using
the iron “fish” (1084 AD)
Origins of E & M:
Definition of some key terms
► Magnetic
field: invisible lines of force along
which a magnetized needle aligns itself if allowed
to move freely
► Navigation: finding out how to go (plotting a
course) to get where one is going (destination)
► Compass: in the magnetic version, relies on a
pivoted, magnetized needle and Earth’s magnetic
field to provide a reference direction for navigation
Origins of E & M:
Chinese
► Timetables
of Science also cites
Chinese scientist Shen Kuo’s Dream Pool essays
that contain the first known reference to the
use of a magnetic compass for navigation
Chu Yu’s Pingchow table talk that contains the
first mention in Chinese literature of a
compass used for seagoing navigation
► What
about the geography of China might
have made Chinese especially interested in
the southerly direction?
Origins of E & M:
Chinese precede Europeans; Greeks amused
► This
brief history suggests that Chinese
discovered and may have invented the
magnetic compass before Europeans.
► On
the other hand, Greeks intermittently
intrigued themselves by mysterious powers
of “magical” materials, during early days
Origins of E & M: Greeks
► Ancient
Greeks noticed both
Static (electric) forces
Magnetic forces
► Found
lodestone
Mentioned in Greek texts by 800 BC
Claim two possible origins of the word “magnet”
►The
province of Magnesia where mined (Lucretius)
►The shepherd Magnes, its discoverer (Pliny the Elder)
Origins of E & M: Greeks
► By
around 600 BC, engaging interest
emerged among Greeks w/Thales of Miletus
Greek mathematician, astron. & philosopher
Gave an interpretation of matter (~ 575 BC):
“water is the basis of all things”
Intrigued by 2 mysterious phenomenon
►That
magnetite attracts iron
►That rubbed amber attracts a light dry object
Consider the demonstration as an illustration.
Origins of E & M: Greeks
► Greeks
were on the trail, but not
scientifically yet, nor for applications
► Rather
they remained a bit confused,
amused and entertained at best
Origins of E & M: Compass
► Probably
1st practical application of magnet
► Apparently 1st invented by Chinese
► Origin uncertain: China, Italy or Arabia
► 1st known Western reference to magnetic
compass (~1195 AD)
By Alexander Neckham (b. St. Albans, England 1157)
In De naturis rerum (on natural things)
Origins:
Early Understanding of Magnetism
► Promoted
by Petrus Peregrinus de Mericourt
Background and occupation:
Published Epistola de magnete
Concepts he contributed
►The
identity of magnetic poles…
►That magnetic poles remain distinct…
►The observation that unlike poles…
►That a strong magnet can _____ the polarity of a
weak one (try on a nail and sense with a compass)
Origins:
Early Understanding of Magnetism
► Christopher
Columbus:
discovered declination
► By
1550, Robert Norman (English) had
described the magnetic dip (inclination):
Summary
► Magnetism
and Electricity originally discovered as
________ phenomena with special powers
► Lodestone became the basis of a magnetic
compass to facilitate _________
► Peregrinus promoted understanding of _________
► Experienced navigators discovered two non-ideal
aspects of compass performance: