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published by the Florida State University
supported by the National Science Foundation
written by Shannon Neaves
edited by Kristen Coyne
This is a short biography of Alessandro Volta, the 18th-century Italian scientist who proposed the theory that electrical current is generated by contact between different metals. His experimental work resulted in the construction of the "voltaic pile" battery, the first known source of sustainable electric current. The biography includes a link to a Java-based simulation of his voltaic pile device.
Mag Lab U is part of a large collection of web-based educational materials for K-20, developed by the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University.
Please note that this resource requires Java Applet Plug-in.
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Electricity and Electrical Energy
Unit Title: Electricity: A Historical Perspective
In the 18th-century, Italian scientist Alessandro Volta proposed the theory that electrical current is generated by contact between different metals. His experimental work resulted in the "voltaic pile" battery, the first known source of sustainable electric current. For a simulation of the voltaic pile device, see "Activities" above.Link to Unit:
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Mag Lab U: Alessandro Volta:
Is Part Of Mag Lab U: Pioneers in Electricity and Magnetism
A link to the full collection of biographies by Mag Lab U on pioneers of electricity and magnetism.relation by Caroline Hall
Accompanies Mag Lab U: Interactive Tutorials - Voltaic Pile
A link to an interactive simulation that illustrates the historic "voltaic pile" device, invented in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and commonly considered the world's first battery.relation by Caroline Hall
Is a Student Extra Of The Physics Classroom: Electric Potential
Is a Student Extra Of Physics Classroom: Electric Potential Difference
Is a Student Extra Of Physics Classroom: Requirements of a Circuit
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