Georg Simon Ohm

Georg Simon Ohm (16 March 1789 – 6 July 1854) was a German physicist and mathematician. As a school teacher, Ohm began his research with the new electrochemical cell, invented by Italian scientist Alessandro Volta. Using equipment of his own creation, Ohm found that there is a direct proportionality between the potential difference (voltage) applied across a conductor and the resultant electric current. This relationship is known as Ohm's law.

Early life and education

Georg Simon Ohm was born into a Protestant family in Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. His father, Johann Wolfgang Ohm, was a master locksmith and his mother, Maria Elizabeth Beck, was the daughter of a tailor. Despite being largely self-educated, Ohm's father was able to provide his sons with an excellent education through his own teachings.

Career

Ohm's first job was as a private tutor in Switzerland where he continued to conduct his own mathematical studies. He returned to the University of Erlangen and in 1827, he published Die galvanische Kette, mathematisch bearbeitet (The Galvanic Circuit Investigated Mathematically) in which he gave his complete theory of electricity.

Ohm's Law

The most important aspect of Ohm's work was the formulation of Ohm's Law. This states that the current passing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. The law was named after Ohm posthumously in recognition of his contributions to the field of physics.

Later life and death

In 1852, Ohm was given the position of conservator of the physical cabinet at Munich, a position he held until his death in 1854. He was buried in the Alter Südfriedhof, a cemetery in Munich.

Legacy

Ohm's contributions to the field of physics and mathematics have been widely recognized. The unit of electrical resistance in the International System of Units (SI) was named the ohm (Ω) in his honor.

Georg Simon Ohm Resources
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