Hans Christian Ørsted

Description: (Physicist)

Hans Christian Oersted, a Danish chemist and physicist revolutionized the concept of electromagnetism by figuring that electric currents are capable of creating magnetic fields. Born to a chemist father, Hans was surrounded by scientific apparatus which triggered his interest in science. He studied several languages as a young boy and went to University of Copenhagen and majored in science and philosophy. He had an undergraduate degree in pharmacy, and later he was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy. Hans travelled the world meeting several renowned scientists and took up a job in the University. He gave several lectures, and during the course of one of his lectures was amazed to find that a magnetic needle aligns in a perpendicular position with a current carrying wire. This revelation became his premise of the relationship between magnetism and electricity. Although Hans never attempted to explain electromagnetism through mathematical equations; it was definitely a historic breakthrough which led to several studies and researches related to electromagnetism. He made another discovery in the field of chemistry, when he discovered aluminium, distinguished it from other chemical compounds and extracted it as a unique element. His lifelong venture was to make science popular among people in general, rather enclosing it within academic and scientific communities.

Overview

Birthday August 14, 1777 (Leo)
Alternative names Hans Christian Oersted
Died on March 9, 1851
Spouse/Ex- Birgitte Ballum
Parents Søren Christian Ørsted
Karen Hermandsen
Children Albert Nicolai Ørsted, Karen Ørsted, Mathilde Elisabeth Ørsted, Sophie Vilhelmine Bertha Ørsted
Relatives Anders Sandøe Ørsted

Did you know

What is Hans Christian Ørsted best known for? Hans Christian Ørsted is best known for discovering the connection between electricity and magnetism, leading to the development of electromagnetism.
How did Hans Christian Ørsted discover electromagnetism? Hans Christian Ørsted discovered electromagnetism in 1820 when he observed that a compass needle deflected when placed near a current-carrying wire, demonstrating the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
What impact did Hans Christian Ørsted's discovery have on science? Hans Christian Ørsted's discovery of electromagnetism laid the foundation for the development of the field of electromagnetism and electromagnetic theory, which has had significant implications in physics and technology.
What is the Ørsted unit named after Hans Christian Ørsted used for? The Ørsted unit, named after Hans Christian Ørsted, is used to measure the strength of a magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire or other sources of magnetism.
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