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Benjamin Franklin made many important contributions to the study of electricity. Most people know only about his famous kite experiment, but he was actually one of the foremost electrical scientists of his day.

He became fascinated with the topic when he saw some electrical experiments performed in 1746. He acquired a Leyden jar (a device that stores static electrical charges) and began to perform experiments and formulate theories - he didn't just use electricity to play parlor tricks as most of his friends did. Franklin made an electrical battery, roasted a fowl on a spit turned by electricity, sent a current through water to ignite alcohol, and ignited gunpowder with an electrical charge.

Before Franklin, electricity was generally thought to be the result of certain types of friction, such as rubbing silk over amber. Franklin thought that in fact, electricity was spread lightly throughout most substances, and that certain types of friction were able to organize or collect it in some way. Franklin was also the first person to develop the theory of positive and negative electricity.

Franklin began to think about the possibility that lightning was in fact a huge electrical spark that consisted of the same type of electricity as that produced by rubbing amber with silk. In 1752, he performed his famous kite experiment, flying a kite up into the clouds during a storm and creating a spark when he put his knuckle near the key at the end of the kite string, proving that lightning was indeed electrical. He also stored electricity gathered from the clouds in a Leyden jar and found it able to do all the things that electricity gathered from silk and amber could do, proving that both types of electricity were really the same. Note that Franklin did not stand around waiting for the unlikely possibility that lightning would strike the kite; he simply flew it up into the clouds where he surmised an electrical charge was building, and he was correct.

Building fires caused by lightning striking a house were a tremendous problem at the time, with so many all-wooden buildings and limited means to fight the fire - a bucket brigade, not a pressure hose. Franklin began the use of lightning rods, tall pointed iron rods sticking up from the roofs of houses and carrying the electrical charge down into the ground, where it could be dispersed harmlessly. As with the kite, the rods did not need to be struck directly with lightnng to be effective; they merely had to pass through a low-lying cloud to draw off its electricity and lessen the possibility of a lightning strike.

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What year did Benjamin Franklin make the light bulb?

Benjamin Franklin did not invent the lightning bulb? He did however discover electricity May 10th 1752. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879.


What contributions did Michael Faraday Benjamin Franklin Thomas Edison make to understanding electricity?

Michael Faraday contributed to the understanding of electricity through his discoveries in electromagnetic induction, demonstrating how a changing magnetic field can generate electric current. Benjamin Franklin is known for his experiments with static electricity, particularly his famous kite experiment, which helped establish the concept of electric charge and the nature of lightning. Thomas Edison significantly advanced the practical use of electricity by inventing the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb and developing the electrical power distribution system, which laid the foundation for modern electrical infrastructure. Together, their work transformed electricity from a scientific curiosity into a vital part of everyday life.


What contributions did Benjamin Franklin make to the nation of United States?

There are many things. He was in the Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He harnessed electricity and invented the lightning rod. He also founded the first fire fighting force and anti-slavery institutions in America. He also convinced the French to join in the American Revolutionary War against France.


Why did Benjamin Franklin make candles and soap?

because there was no electricity so there was no light so they used candles like lights


Who discovered electricity and the lightning rod?

Benjamin Franklin was an inventor. He was curious and he loved to learn about new things. He also thought it was important to make life better with the things that he invented.

Related Questions

Why did Benjamin Franklin make electricity for?

to watch tv


Why did Benjamin Franklin make electricity?

to watch tv


When did Benjamin Fanklin make the discovery of electricity and how?

Benjamin Franklin found out lighting was electricity in 1789


How did Benjamen Franklin make electricity?

Ben Franklin (nor anyone else) did not 'make' electricity. Electricity exists in nature - Ben simply showed people that is was there. This started his business of selling lighting rods to protect peoples' houses from lightning.


What major contribution did Benjamin Franklin make as a member of the Second Continental Congress?

he spied on the hessians.


Why did Benjamin Franklin make the kite?

He wanted to prove the electricity works. and kill him sefh


What year did Benjamin Franklin make the light bulb?

Benjamin Franklin did not invent the lightning bulb? He did however discover electricity May 10th 1752. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879.


What contributions did Michael Faraday Benjamin Franklin Thomas Edison make to understanding electricity?

Michael Faraday contributed to the understanding of electricity through his discoveries in electromagnetic induction, demonstrating how a changing magnetic field can generate electric current. Benjamin Franklin is known for his experiments with static electricity, particularly his famous kite experiment, which helped establish the concept of electric charge and the nature of lightning. Thomas Edison significantly advanced the practical use of electricity by inventing the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb and developing the electrical power distribution system, which laid the foundation for modern electrical infrastructure. Together, their work transformed electricity from a scientific curiosity into a vital part of everyday life.


What contribution did Voltaire make to electricity?

Voltaire did not make any direct contributions to the field of electricity. He was a French Enlightenment writer and philosopher known for his advocacy of freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and his criticism of intolerance and superstition.


What contributions did Benjamin Franklin make to the nation of United States?

There are many things. He was in the Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He harnessed electricity and invented the lightning rod. He also founded the first fire fighting force and anti-slavery institutions in America. He also convinced the French to join in the American Revolutionary War against France.


Why did Benjamin Franklin make candles and soap?

because there was no electricity so there was no light so they used candles like lights


How many times did Benjamin frankin fail until he found light?

The most succinct response I can think of to make to this question is:Buh?Benjamin Franklin didn't "find light". Perhaps you're thinking of Thomas Edison and the light bulb.