Fluid theory of electricity
Encyclopedia
The fluid theory of electricity is a now defunct theory that postulated an electrical
fluid
which was responsible for many electrical phenomenon. Although he was not the first proponent, Benjamin Franklin
worked to develop the theory. The Leyden jar
was seen as a confirming case for this theory since it appeared to be a jar capable of holding the electric fluid.
The development of the theory is briefly recounted in the 19th century book, A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
.
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
fluid
Fluid
In physics, a fluid is a substance that continually deforms under an applied shear stress. Fluids are a subset of the phases of matter and include liquids, gases, plasmas and, to some extent, plastic solids....
which was responsible for many electrical phenomenon. Although he was not the first proponent, Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Dr. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat...
worked to develop the theory. The Leyden jar
Leyden jar
A Leyden jar, or Leiden jar, is a device that "stores" static electricity between two electrodes on the inside and outside of a jar. It was invented independently by German cleric Ewald Georg von Kleist on 11 October 1745 and by Dutch scientist Pieter van Musschenbroek of Leiden in 1745–1746. The...
was seen as a confirming case for this theory since it appeared to be a jar capable of holding the electric fluid.
The development of the theory is briefly recounted in the 19th century book, A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
Ebenezer Cobham Brewer
The Reverend Dr. Ebenezer Cobham Brewer , was the compiler of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, and The Reader's Handbook, Victorian reference works.-Education and travels:E...
.
See also
- Contact tension
- Hydraulic analogyHydraulic analogyThe electronic–hydraulic analogy is the most widely used analogy for "electron fluid" in a metal conductor. Since electric current is invisible and the processes at play in electronics are often difficult to demonstrate, the various electronic components are represented by hydraulic...