Michael Faraday for Kids: The Boy Who Lit Up the World!

What if we told you that a boy who once had to leave school at age 13 grew up to discover how to make electricity move through wires like cars on a highway? Meet Michael Faraday, the genius who unlocked the secrets of electromagnetism and gave us the power to light up our homes and cities. His journey from a poor apprentice to a world-famous scientist is nothing short of amazing!

Humble Beginnings

Michael Faraday was born on September 22, 1791, in Newington, Surrey, England. He came from a very humble background. His father, James Faraday, was a blacksmith who struggled with poor health, and his mother, Margaret Hastwell, worked as a servant before getting married. They were not wealthy, and the family often faced financial difficulties.

Despite these challenges, Michael's curiosity and love for learning shone brightly from an early age. He was the third of four children, and his parents did their best to provide for their family, though there was little money for education. Young Michael attended a local school where he learned basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, but his formal education was very limited. By the time he was 13, he had to leave school to help support his family.

Apprenticeship and Self-Education

At the age of 14, Michael began working as an apprentice to a bookbinder named George Riebau. This job turned out to be a turning point in his life. Surrounded by books, Michael's love for reading and learning grew even stronger. He read every book he could get his hands on, particularly those about science. Two books that fascinated him were the "Encyclopædia Britannica," which had articles about electricity, and "Conversations on Chemistry" by Jane Marcet.

Michael's apprenticeship lasted for seven years. During this time, he not only learned the trade of bookbinding but also educated himself in the sciences. His employer, Mr. Riebau, noticed Michael's keen interest in science and allowed him to read books from the shop. This self-education laid the foundation for his future scientific discoveries.

The Road to Science

In 1812, when Michael was 20 years old, he got the opportunity of a lifetime. A regular customer at the bookshop, William Dance, who was a member of the Royal Institution, gave Michael tickets to attend lectures by the famous chemist Sir Humphry Davy. Michael eagerly attended these lectures, taking detailed notes and soaking up all the knowledge he could.

Michael was so inspired by Davy's lectures that he decided to send his notes to the great scientist, along with a letter asking for a job. Sir Humphry Davy was impressed by Michael's enthusiasm and offered him a position as his laboratory assistant. This was the beginning of Michael Faraday's journey into the world of science.

Joining Davy's Laboratory

Working with Sir Humphry Davy was a dream come true for Michael. He learned a great deal from Davy and gained hands-on experience in conducting experiments. Although his early tasks included more menial jobs like cleaning laboratory equipment and preparing chemicals, Michael never complained. He absorbed all the knowledge he could and gradually started participating in more complex experiments.

Michael Faraday's journey from a poor apprentice to a world-renowned scientist had begun. His curiosity, determination, and love for learning set him on a path that would lead to some of the most important discoveries in the history of science.

Electromagnetic Induction

One of Michael Faraday’s most groundbreaking discoveries was electromagnetic induction. This discovery, made in 1831, changed the world by showing how electricity could be generated. Faraday found that moving a magnet through a coil of wire produced an electric current in the wire. This simple yet revolutionary experiment led to the development of electric generators, which are used to produce electricity for homes, schools, and businesses.

Imagine a playground swing. When you push the swing, it moves back and forth. Faraday discovered that if you move a magnet in and out of a coil of wire, it's like pushing the swing; the movement creates electricity. This principle of electromagnetic induction is the basis for many electrical devices we use today, like power plants and transformers.

Laws of Electrolysis

Faraday also made significant contributions to chemistry, particularly with his work on electrolysis, which is the process of using electricity to cause a chemical change, usually to decompose chemical compounds. In 1833, he formulated the laws of electrolysis, which describe how electric current interacts with chemical compounds.

These laws state that the amount of chemical change produced by an electric current is proportional to the amount of electricity used. Faraday's work in this area helped bridge the gap between chemistry and electricity, laying the groundwork for future scientists and engineers to develop new technologies.

Discovering Benzene

In 1825, Michael Faraday discovered benzene, a vital chemical compound that is used today in numerous industrial processes, including the production of plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also a fundamental building block for many other chemicals.

This discovery was crucial for the field of organic chemistry. Faraday identified benzene while investigating the gases produced by heating whale oil. His identification of this compound helped scientists better understand the structure and properties of organic molecules.

Inventions and Innovations

Faraday was not just a discoverer but also an inventor. He created the first electric motor, a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. His early experiments with motors showed that when an electric current flows through a wire in the presence of a magnetic field, the wire moves. This principle is used in all electric motors today, from tiny ones in toys to large ones in electric cars.

Faraday also improved laboratory equipment, making significant advancements that helped other scientists in their research. One of his notable inventions was an early version of the Bunsen burner, which provides a safe and controllable flame for laboratory experiments.

Faraday’s Influence on Future Science

Michael Faraday's discoveries had a lasting impact on science and technology. His work on electromagnetism inspired future scientists like James Clerk Maxwell, who developed the theory of electromagnetism that linked electricity, magnetism, and light. This theory is fundamental to our understanding of how the universe works and has led to countless technological advancements.

Faraday’s work laid the foundation for many modern technologies. Without his contributions, we wouldn't have electric generators, transformers, or even the simple electric motor that powers so many devices we use every day.

Marriage and Family

On June 12, 1821, Michael Faraday married Sarah Barnard, a member of the same church as Faraday, the Sandemanian sect. The couple had a loving and supportive relationship, and they moved into rooms provided by the Royal Institution. Although they had no children, Sarah was a constant source of strength for Michael throughout his life and career.

Sarah and Michael met through their families and quickly bonded over their shared faith and values. Their home at the Royal Institution was a place of warmth and hospitality, often filled with the lively discussions of visiting scientists and friends. Despite his growing fame and the demands of his scientific work, Faraday always made time for his wife, valuing their private life together.

Deep Religious Faith

Faraday's faith was a guiding force in his life. The Sandemanian church, a small Christian sect, emphasized humility, simplicity, and service to others. Faraday took these principles to heart, which influenced his decision to turn down many honors and awards, including a knighthood. He believed that accumulating titles and wealth was against his religious convictions.

His faith also played a crucial role in his scientific work. Faraday saw his experiments and discoveries as a way to understand the natural world, which he viewed as a reflection of God's creation. This perspective gave him a profound sense of purpose and dedication in his research.

Health Challenges

In the 1840s, Faraday began to experience health issues that affected his ability to work. He suffered from memory loss and other neurological symptoms, which led him to reduce his scientific activities. Despite these challenges, he continued to contribute to science in any way he could, often advising younger scientists and sharing his extensive knowledge.

Faraday's declining health did not diminish his spirit or his commitment to his work. He remained active in the scientific community, attending meetings and keeping up with the latest developments. Even as his physical abilities waned, his intellectual curiosity and passion for discovery never faded.

Later Years and Legacy

Michael Faraday's later years were marked by widespread recognition of his contributions to science. He received numerous honors and awards, though he humbly declined many of them. Faraday preferred to remain "plain Mr. Faraday" and focused on the joy of discovery rather than personal accolades.

Faraday passed away on August 25, 1867, at his home in Hampton Court, Surrey. He was buried in the dissenters' (non-Anglican) section of Highgate Cemetery in London. Although he turned down the honor of being buried in Westminster Abbey, he has a memorial plaque there, near the tomb of Isaac Newton.

1. Inventor of the Rubber Balloon: Did you know that Michael Faraday invented the first rubber balloon in 1824? He made it by pressing two sheets of rubber together to use in his experiments with hydrogen. These balloons were soon turned into toys by manufacturers​.
2. Early Adventures with Chemicals: In one experiment in 1823, Faraday filled a V-shaped tube with chlorine hydrate and heated it. The tube exploded, but Faraday wasn't hurt. This experiment laid the groundwork for modern refrigeration and ice-making machines​.
3. First Electric Motor and Generator: Faraday created the first electric motor in 1821 by using a magnet and a current-carrying wire. Later, he built the first electric generator by rotating a copper disc between the poles of a horseshoe magnet. These inventions are the ancestors of the motors and generators we use today​​.
4. The Great Stink: Faraday was concerned about pollution. In 1855, he wrote a letter urging London authorities to clean up the River Thames, predicting serious consequences if they didn't. His warning came true during the hot summer of 1858, known as "The Great Stink"​.
5. Christmas Lectures: Faraday loved teaching and made science fun and accessible. He started the Royal Institution’s Christmas Lectures in 1825, an annual event still popular today. Faraday himself delivered 19 of these lectures, making science exciting for young audiences​.
6. Mentor Turned Foe: Faraday's mentor, Sir Humphry Davy, once praised him as his greatest discovery. However, as Faraday’s fame grew, their relationship soured. Davy even tried to block Faraday's admission to the Royal Society​.
7. Albert Einstein's Hero: Albert Einstein greatly admired Faraday. He had a portrait of Faraday in his study and considered him a personal hero for his profound contributions to science​.
8. Campaigning Against Pollution: Besides his scientific achievements, Faraday was an early environmentalist. He wrote to the authorities about the pollution in the River Thames, which eventually led to significant public health reforms​.
9. On British Currency: To honor his contributions, Faraday's image was featured on the British £20 note from 1991 to 2001, joining other notable Britons like William Shakespeare and Isaac Newton​.
10. Memory Loss: In his later years, Faraday suffered from memory loss and other neurological problems, likely due to exposure to chemicals like mercury. Despite these challenges, he continued to make significant scientific contributions​.

What did Michael Faraday discover?
Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, benzene, the laws of electrolysis, and created the first electric motor.

How did Faraday educate himself?
Faraday educated himself by reading books on science during his apprenticeship as a bookbinder. He was particularly fascinated by articles on electricity and chemistry.

Why is Faraday important?
Faraday is important because his discoveries laid the foundation for many modern technologies, including electric generators and motors. His work in electromagnetism and electrolysis revolutionized science and industry.

Did Faraday have any formal education?
Faraday had very limited formal education. He attended a local school until he was 13 and then continued to educate himself through reading and working with scientists like Humphry Davy.

What awards did Faraday receive?
Faraday received numerous scientific honors throughout his life, although he declined many titles, including a knighthood, due to his religious beliefs.

What is electromagnetic induction?
Electromagnetic induction is the process by which an electric current is produced by changing the magnetic field around a coil of wire. This principle is used in generators to produce electricity.

How did Faraday discover benzene?
Faraday discovered benzene while investigating the gases produced by heating whale oil. His identification of this compound was crucial for the field of organic chemistry.

What was Faraday’s relationship with Humphry Davy?
Faraday started as an assistant to Humphry Davy after impressing him with his notes on Davy’s lectures. Despite some tensions later, Davy was a significant mentor to Faraday.

Where is Michael Faraday buried?
Michael Faraday is buried in the dissenters' section of Highgate Cemetery in London. He declined an offer to be buried in Westminster Abbey but has a memorial plaque there.