The History of Electrical Engineering: Crash Course Engineering #4

Summary

This video explores the evolution of electrical engineering, highlighting its impact on modern society. It traces key developments across three primary branches: telecommunications, power and lighting, and computer engineering. From the discovery of electricity and magnetism by pioneers like William Gilbert and Stephen Gray to the invention of the electric telegraph, telephone, and microprocessor, the field has revolutionized communication and technology. The historical struggle between Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse over alternating and direct currents shaped the way we use electricity today, powering our homes and devices. This video highlights how these innovations have shaped the world we live in.

Takeaways

• 😀 Electrical engineering is the backbone of modern society, powering everything from machines to communication systems.
• 😀 The field was built on discoveries by early scientists like William Gilbert, who first explored magnetism and electricity in the 1600s.
• 😀 Stephen Gray’s discovery in 1729 of electrical conduction paved the way for telecommunication advancements.
• 😀 The invention of the electric telegraph in 1837 by Sir William Fothergill Cooke and Charles Wheatstone revolutionized long-distance communication.
• 😀 The murder of John Tawell in 1845 helped popularize the electric telegraph, as it was used to track down the criminal.
• 😀 Samuel Morse’s development of Morse code in the 1830s allowed for more efficient communication via telegraph lines.
• 😀 The first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1866, overcoming the challenge of communicating across large bodies of water.
• 😀 In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone used fluctuating electrical currents to transmit the human voice.
• 😀 Heinrich Hertz’s discovery of electromagnetic waves in 1887 laid the foundation for the development of radio and wireless communication.
• 😀 The War of Currents, which involved Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse, ultimately led to the widespread adoption of alternating current (AC) for electrical power distribution.

Q & A

What is the role of electrical engineering in our daily lives?

Electrical engineering plays a crucial role in powering machines, systems, and technologies that keep modern society functioning. It involves applying electricity and electromagnetism to various fields, such as telecommunications, power, lighting, and computers.

Who is considered the father of electrical studies, and why?

William Gilbert is considered the father of electrical studies because his work in 1600, 'De Magnete,' was the first to describe the phenomena of electrical attraction and magnetic poles, laying the foundation for the study of electromagnetism.

How did Stephen Gray contribute to the discovery of electrical conduction?

In 1729, Stephen Gray discovered electrical conduction by experimenting with a glass tube and various objects. When the tube was rubbed, it electrified the connected objects, revealing the movement of electrically charged particles.

What was the significance of the electric telegraph in the 19th century?

The electric telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication, especially after it was used in a high-profile murder case in 1845. It also laid the groundwork for later developments in telecommunication technologies.

How did Samuel Morse improve telegraphy and what was Morse code?

Samuel Morse developed a system of dots and dashes (Morse code) to transmit messages via telegraph. His invention allowed messages to be sent over long distances using electromagnets, making communication faster and more efficient.

What was the role of the Great Eastern ship in the history of telecommunication?

The Great Eastern ship laid the first permanent transatlantic telegraph line in 1866, overcoming the challenge of communicating across large bodies of water and expanding the reach of global telecommunication.

How did Heinrich Hertz’s discovery of electromagnetic waves influence communication technologies?

In 1887, Heinrich Hertz's discovery of electromagnetic waves showed that these waves could carry signals by adjusting their wavelength, amplitude, and frequency, leading to the development of radio and wireless communication.

What was the 'War of Currents,' and who were the main figures involved?

The 'War of Currents' was a battle between Thomas Edison, who championed direct current (DC), and George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla, who supported alternating current (AC). AC ultimately prevailed, becoming the standard for electrical power transmission.

How did Thomas Edison’s incandescent lamp differ from earlier forms of lighting?

Edison’s incandescent lamp used a carbon filament to produce light, making it more practical and suitable for indoor use compared to earlier arc lighting, which was too bright and unsuitable for homes.

What innovations in electrical engineering were crucial for the development of modern computers?

Key innovations in electrical engineering, such as the development of transistors in 1947 and the creation of microprocessors like the Intel 4004 in 1968, were crucial for making computers smaller, more efficient, and widely accessible.