Michael Faraday Birthday September 22, 1791

Michael Faraday was born on this day September 22, 1791.  Faraday researched and experimented with electricity. He eventually showed that a magnetic field could induce a current in a coil of wire, which became the basis for the generation of electricity.  His theory of electromagnetic induction eventually became "Faraday's Law".  He invented the earliest electrical motors (homopolar motor) which would prove to be one of the most important inventions in history.

Variable Capacitor Schematic Symbol (capacitance is measured in farads)

 

Faraday experimented with sending electrical currents through chemicals, discovering that molecules could be separated into gases and defining principles for the laws of electrolysis.  Faraday was prolific and engaged with the study of optics, magnetism, environmental science, education, light houses, and other interests.

The SI unit of capacitance, the farad, is named in his honor as is the Faraday Cage.