The article, “Account of the New Electrical Apparatus of Sig. Alex. Volta…”, is a paper sent to the president of the Royal Society known as Sir. Joseph Banks. The authors are William Nicholson and Anthony Carlisle, who are renowned scholars in the field of physics and electricity.
Nicholson and Carlisle presented a four paper article for printing and approval to the president of the Royal Society, Sir. Joseph Banks. The authors conducted a detailed presentation of an experiment to develop the Sig. Alex Volta.
The two scholars specialized in the field of new electrical apparatus known as the Sig. Alex Volta. In this experiment, Nicholson and Carlisle created two piles and presented their arguments based on the results they obtained from their experiments (Nicholson, 1800).
The first experiment was done using different materials. The materials used included several plates of copper or silver, an equal number of tin or zinc plates, and discs or pieces of cloth or card leather or any porous object that can retain moisture.
The experiment is set up by piling the pieces of silver, zinc, and the wet cloth alternating and in that order until all the pieces are utilized. Nicholson and Carlisle argued that, in this arrangement, the experiment will exhibit an electrical current when they are touched by hand. This electric current is felt as a mild shock to the figure. The current is similar to the charge of a weak battery, and its intensity is relatively low.
Nicholson and Carlisle emphasized that the intensity of the electric current felt by the hand increases if large metal bars soaked in water are used. They also argued that the intensity of the current is also directly proportional to the number of metal pieces used.
Thus, the larger number of metal pieces, the higher the intensity of the current. In the second experiment, the same procedure is followed. However, galvanized rods are introduced and provide the same results (Nicholson, 1800).
Nicholson and Carlisle state that the current in the apparatus is a result of the condenser that was ascertained by Sig. Volta. They argued that the most pungent or strongest current is found on the negative terminal of the apparatus. This experiment brought metals that conducted electricity at different levels of intensity together. As they conduct electricity alternately, they produce a current.
In this experiment, it is established that water is a good conductor of current. This experiment was repeated several times by varying the number of discs and insulating the contacts with wax to prevent them from drying. The overall findings and observations did not differ to a large extent.
The experiments were repeated using brass, iron and galvanized copper rods. During the experiment, gases were produced. Upon investigation, the gas produced was identified as hydrogen gas.
Residues were also identified, and they formed on the positive terminal of the apparatus. The gas formations and deposits of residue suggested that, as the current flowed through the apparatus, oxidation was taking place (Nicholson, 1800).
This experiment can be termed as one of the milestones or breakthroughs in the research and development made during the 18th century. This experiment gave birth to the study and invention of alternating current (AC) commonly referred to as electric current.
Therefore, the experiment is important in all dimensions of life because people use AC current in almost all aspects. Therefore, the authors did a great job to document the experiment because it is used in studies.
Reference
Nicholson, W. (1800). Account of the New Electrical Apparatus of Sig. Alex. Volta…, Nicholson’s Journal of Natural Philosophy, 4, 179–187.