Alessandro Volta A brief history of Alessandro Volta

Alessandro Volta

A brief history of Alessandro Volta… Alessandro Volta was born in Como, Italy in 1745. In 1774, he was appointed as a professor of physics at the Royal School in Como. For years at Como, he studied and experimented with atmospheric electricity by igniting static sparks. In 1779, Alessandro Volta was appointed professor of physics at the University of Pavia and it was while there that he invented his most famous invention, the voltaic pile. . .

One of the most remarkable and novel discoveries in the last 400 years was electricity…. So what did Alex Volta exactly do? ……. He invented the first electrical batteries!! (Voltaic Pile) The first electrical batteries looks like this…. →

How? What? • Alessandro Volta invented the Voltaic Pile(the first electric battery) and discovered the first practical method of generating electricity.

How? What? • He discovered in 1800 that certain fluids would generate a continuous flow of electrical power when used as a conductor. This discovery led to the invention of the first voltaic cell, more commonly known as the battery. Volta discovered further that the voltage would increase when voltaic cells were stacked on top of each other.

How? What? • The Voltaic Pile is constructed of alternating discs of zinc and copper with pieces of cardboard soaked in brine between the metals, the Voltic Pile produced electrical current.

Alessandro Volta has definitely made an impact on the area of electricity. Without him, we probably won’t have such things like mobile phones, which uses batteries.

We were inspired by his perseverance towards researching science, like how he found the way to isolate methane gas(another one of his discoveries). We admire him for his curious and open mind to accept new things, and to investigate more about things around him. Without him, we may not be able to enjoy the luxury of having a portable electrical supply (batteries).

Reflection… • We have learnt more about the history of batteries and about new things that we never knew existed, through this project. For example, we were clueless about the Voltaic Pile at first and we didn’t know there was such a name. We have definitely more knowledgeable on this topic now! • We understand more about batteries and its currents. • And we are definitely more knowledgeable about Alessandro Volta!

Reflection… • We found it very hard to arrange a timing for both of us to meet during the June holidays as we were both busy with our CCAs, and going for holidays with each of our families. • When we finally found the time to meet up, both of us ended up getting distracted instead and we ended up doing nothing for the science project.