History
Nikola Tesla: The Inventor Who Powered the World
Discover Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor whose work with alternating current (AC) became the foundation of our modern electrical grid.
What is it?
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and futurist born in 1856. He is best known for his revolutionary contributions to the design and development of the modern alternating current (AC) electrical system. Unlike his rival Thomas Edison, who championed direct current (DC), Tesla's AC system could transmit power over long distances much more efficiently. His key inventions include the AC induction motor and the Tesla coil. His discovery of the rotating magnetic field was a fundamental principle in physics and the basis for most AC machinery.
Why is it trending?
Tesla's legacy has seen a massive resurgence in popular culture, partly due to the electric vehicle company "Tesla" being named in his honor. Historically, he was a key figure in the "war of the currents" against Edison, a battle his AC technology ultimately won, shaping the 20th century. He is often portrayed as a brilliant but misunderstood genius whose visionary ideas on wireless power transmission were ahead of his time. This narrative of a forgotten visionary who fundamentally shaped the modern world continues to fascinate and inspire people.
How does it affect people?
Every time you turn on a light, use a household appliance, or charge a device, you are experiencing the direct impact of Nikola Tesla's work. The global standard for power generation and distribution is his polyphase AC system. Without his inventions, widespread electrification would have been far more difficult and costly. His work laid the groundwork for radio technology, remote control, and countless other innovations that are fundamental to modern life. The unit of magnetic flux density is even named the "tesla" in his honor.