The Alternating current
One of Tesla’s most important contributions to the modern world was his discovery and use of the AC current through motors. Before him, the only source of electrical power came from Thomas Edison’s DC motor. “This system had a severe disadvantage in that it could not be transported more than two miles due to its inability to step up to high voltage levels necessary for long distance transmission. Consequently, a direct current power station was required every two miles” ( Vujovic).
Shortly after working with Edison, Tesla began to develop new polyphase alternating current motors, which could be used at high voltages to carry charges much farther than its predecessor. Edison, bitter to lose his empire on electricity, started a smear campaign on the AC motor. He would get other scientists to go around and plug these powerful motors directly up to animals, killing them. The negative association with the danger behind the power caused very bad publicity towards Tesla and his partners at Westinghouse.
However, the altering current was so efficient it began to power more and more of the world. To this day, much of the world is still powered by something that resembles Tesla’s original model. Yet, ask anyone who created modern electricity today, and mostly everyone will answer incorrectly Thomas Edison.
Shortly after working with Edison, Tesla began to develop new polyphase alternating current motors, which could be used at high voltages to carry charges much farther than its predecessor. Edison, bitter to lose his empire on electricity, started a smear campaign on the AC motor. He would get other scientists to go around and plug these powerful motors directly up to animals, killing them. The negative association with the danger behind the power caused very bad publicity towards Tesla and his partners at Westinghouse.
However, the altering current was so efficient it began to power more and more of the world. To this day, much of the world is still powered by something that resembles Tesla’s original model. Yet, ask anyone who created modern electricity today, and mostly everyone will answer incorrectly Thomas Edison.