Hans Christian Oersted (1777–1851)
Hans Christian Oersted, a prominent scientist from the 19th century, made significant contributions to physics and chemistry. His most notable discovery occurred in 1820 when he observed that a compass needle deflected due to an electric current flowing through a nearby wire. This was a groundbreaking moment that illustrated the interconnection between electricity and magnetism, now collectively known as electromagnetism.
Oersted's discovery demonstrated that electric current produces magnetic effects, a principle that would later become fundamental in developing technologies such as radios, televisions, and fiber optics. In recognition of his work, the unit of magnetic field strength is named the 'oersted'. Through experiments and observation, Oersted's insights provided the foundation for understanding how electric currents can create magnetic fields, leading to innovations in electrical engineering and physics.