How Did Stephen Gray Conceptualize Sending Electricity Through a Wire in 1729?

In summary, Stephen Gray is credited with being the first to send electricity through a wire and introduce the terms "insulator" and "conductor". This was during a time when electricity was still a mysterious substance, often thought of as an invisible fluid. Some old texts, including a chapter in an 18th century book and a book of letters by Benjamin Franklin, provide insight into how scientists of that time thought about electricity. It is similar to the process of sending water through a pipe before the concept of atoms was understood.
  • #1
genefalk
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I have read that in 1729 Stephen Gray, in addition to generating static charges, sends, for the first time, electricity through a wire and coins the words insulator and conductor.

What does he think he is sending though the wire, there is not yet a concept of atoms or electrons as we know them today?
 
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  • #2
He didn't know what exactly it was. Some mysterious substance known as electricity. It was often seen as some kind of invisible fluid.
If you want to get a better idea of how scientists back then thought about this subject you could look at some old texts.
e.g. this chapter in a book from the 18th century describing Mr. Gray's experiments.
Or this book consisting of letters written by Benjamin Franklin.
 
  • #3
People sent water through a pipe before anyone knew about atoms. This is really no different.
 
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1. What is electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy that results from the movement of charged particles, such as electrons, through a conductor.

2. How does electricity flow through a wire?

Electricity flows through a wire when a potential difference, or voltage, is applied across the wire. This causes the electrons to move from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, creating a flow of electricity.

3. What materials can be used as conductors for electricity?

Most metals, such as copper, aluminum, and gold, are good conductors of electricity. Other materials, such as water and graphite, can also conduct electricity.

4. What is the difference between AC and DC electricity?

AC (alternating current) electricity changes direction periodically, while DC (direct current) electricity flows in one direction. AC is used for power distribution, while DC is used for electronics and smaller devices.

5. How is electricity measured?

Electricity is measured in units of watts (W) and amperes (A). Watts measure the rate at which energy is used, while amperes measure the amount of current flowing through a wire. Other units, such as volts (V) and ohms (Ω), are also used to measure different aspects of electricity.

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