What is Electricity?
Since its invention, electricity has become an indispensable energy source in more and more areas. Today, even short-term power outages can negatively affect daily life, but reaching the current state of electricity was made possible through years of research and innovation.
Electricity
Electricity is a type of energy that results from the flow of electric charges. It is produced by the movement of electrons within atoms, and this energy is used in many areas such as lighting, heating, communication, and power supply. Electricity, as one of the fundamental elements of modern life, enables the operation of various devices and makes daily life possible.
How was Electricity Discovered?
The discovery of electricity is the result of a long historical process and was realized through the contributions of many scientists. Various experiments and discoveries were made to understand the basic principles of electricity and to use it as a power source.
Ancient Times
The first known observations about electricity began around 600 BC when the ancient Greek philosopher Thales noticed that amber (elektron) attracted light objects when rubbed with cloth. This was the first observation related to static electricity, but the concept of electricity was not yet fully understood.
1600s
In 1600, English scientist William Gilbert defined magnetism and electricity in his work De Magnete. The term “electricity” also emerged during this period.
1700s
In the 18th century, American Benjamin Franklin tried to understand the nature of electricity with his famous kite experiment. Franklin proved that lightning was actually an electrical phenomenon and developed the concepts of “positive” and “negative” charges.
1800s
Italian scientist Alessandro Volta invented the first chemical battery (Voltaic pile) in 1800, paving the way for the continuous production of electric current. Michael Faraday, on the other hand, discovered electromagnetism in 1831, laying the foundation for electric generators and motors. Faraday’s work marked a turning point in the modern use of electricity.
Where was Electricity First Used?
Electricity began to be used in various fields from the mid-19th century onwards. Some of the most important developments for the commercial and daily use of electricity during this period include:
Telegraph
Electricity was first widely used in telegraph systems. In 1837, Samuel Morse developed a telegraph system to transmit messages using electrical signals. This revolutionized communication and laid the foundation for intercontinental communication.
Lighting
One of the first commercial uses of electricity was in lighting. In 1879, Thomas Edison invented a reliable and long-lasting electric light bulb. These bulbs, developed by Edison, were used in the first power plant established at Pearl Street Station in New York City in 1882, leading to the commercial spread of electric lighting. This power plant generated electricity and distributed it to buildings for lighting.
Industrial Use
Electricity was soon used in factories and industrial facilities. Electric motors were more efficient than steam engines and significantly accelerated production processes.
The First Use of Electricity in Our Country?
Electricity was first used in Turkey in 1902 in Tarsus. During the Ottoman Empire period, a generator installed in a water mill in Tarsus converted water power into electricity, and this electricity was used to light the street lamps in the town. This is recorded as the first use of electricity in Turkey. Later, with the opening of the Silahtarağa Power Plant in Istanbul in 1914, the production and use of electricity became widespread. The Silahtarağa Plant, as Turkey’s first power plant, provided electricity to various parts of Istanbul and was used to light the city, operate trams, and power other electrical systems. This plant supplied electricity to Istanbul until 1983.
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