Electricity flowing through a wire coil creates a magnetic field.
A magnetic field cutting a wire creates electricity.
Bell’s work was interrupted with many problems during his early work with the telephone. He had gained much knowledge about sound, but he feared that his knowledge about electricity was not sufficient. He sought help from Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He was known for his expertise in the field of electricity and electromagnetism.
Bell showed his experiments to Professor Henry, who showed great interest. Professor Henry told Bell that, “You are in the possession of the germ of a great invention, and I would advise you to work until you have made it complete.”
“But”, replied Bell, “I have not got the electrical knowledge that is necessary”.
“Get it”, said Professor Henry.
This was the encouragement Bell needed. He gained knowledge of electricity through study and experiments and combined this new knowledge with his knowledge of sound. Through experimentation, he gained the additional knowledge needed to accomplish his goal, turning a sound wave into an electrical current.
| A complete circuit is needed for electricity to flow. | |
Electricity flowing through a wire coil creates a magnetic field.
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A magnetic field cutting a wire creates electricity. |
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Let's Experiment.