AD 1820
Andre Marie Ampere
Laws of Electrodynamics
Andre Marie Ampere (AD 1775-1836), quickly following up on Oersted's
annoucement of electromagnetism, was able to define the relationship between the direction of electric flow and the deflection of a magnetic needle.
Among his laws of electrodynamics are: 1) parallel conductors currying currents in th the same direction
are attacted to each other and 2) parallel conductors carrying currents in the opposite directions are repelled
from each other. He also suggest that electromagnetism could be used in telegraphy.
He used a highly sensitive galvanometer to make his measurements. A galvanometer is a device used to detect
and measure the flow of electricity. A simple galvanometer is a compass with a wire wrapped around it.
Connect either end of the wire to whatever you want to test (such as a battery) if the needle is deflected
then a current has been created. The stronger the current the greate the needle will be deflated.
Fun Word Fact: An ampere or amp is one unit of an electric current.
Return to Timeline