Short BIography on Alessandro Volta
Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta was an Italian scientist, the physicist who did pioneer work in electricity. He is known for his invention of the electric battery.
Volta was born on 18th February 1745 at Como in Lombardy, Italy. He wasn’t a very brilliant child, but later he showed interest and excellence in academic studies. He completed his education in Como.
In 1774 he was appointed as the Professor of physics at the Royal School. He was always interested in the study of electricity. During his student days, he even wrote a poem about electricity. As a professor, he continued working on the subject.
Volta constructed an Electrophorus in 1775, which produced static electric charge. After studying the chemistry of gases he discovered the gas Methane in 1776-77. He also demonstrated the ignition of gases in a closed container with the help of an electric spark.
From 1779, for the next 25 years, Volta was a professor of physics at the University of Pavia. He married Teresa, the daughter of Count Ludovico Perugini, in 1794. They had three sons.
Volta conducted research in the field of electrochemistry, which deals with the interconversion of chemical and electrical energies. Initially, he developed instruments of static electricity. He got the Copley medal of the Royal Society in 1791. Then he developed ‘Voltaic Pile’ in 1800. This was an initial form of electric battery. It could produce a steady electric current. Volta worked with the rods of different metals and decided that pairs of dissimilar metals Zinc and Silver were most effective in producing electricity. At first, he used wine goblets to fill the brine and dip the metal electrodes.
Volta worked to improve the apparatus and developed an Electric battery giving steady electric current. It was the first of its kind in history.
In 1810 Napoleon made him Count to honor his contribution towards science. The electric unit Volt was named after him in 1881. A crater on the moon, Volta Crater, is named in his honor. He was also made the senator of the kingdom of Lombardy. His entire work was published in total five volumes in 1816.
Volta died on 5th March 1827 at Como, Italy.
FAQ –
Q1. When was Alessandro Volta born?
Ans. Alessandro Volta was born on 18 February 1745
Q2. Where was Alessandro Volta born?
Ans. Alessandro Volta was born in Como, Italy
Q3. When and where did Alessandro Volta die?
Ans. Alessandro Volta died on 5th March 1827 at Como, Italy.
Q4. Who discovered the electric battery?
Ans. Alessandro Volta discovered an electric battery.
