Nikola Tesla
- Born:
- July 10, 1856, Smiljan, Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia)
- Died:
- January 7, 1943, New York City, New York, United States
- Nationality:
- Austrian Empire (later Austrian, then American)
- Profession(s):
- Inventor, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Physicist, Futurist
Early Life and Education
- Born to Serbian parents in Smiljan, Austrian Empire.
- Studied at the Austrian Polytechnic in Graz and the University of Prague.
- Suffered a bout of cholera during his studies.
- Details regarding Nikola Tesla facts birthmarks with hair are largely absent from documented accounts, although physical details about Tesla have been subjects of various discussions.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked for the Continental Edison Company in Europe.
- Emigrated to the United States in 1884.
- Briefly worked for Thomas Edison before forming his own company.
- Developed the alternating current (AC) electrical system, which became the dominant power system worldwide.
- Invented the Tesla coil, a resonant transformer circuit for producing high-voltage, high-frequency alternating current electricity.
- Pioneered radio technology, with early contributions predating Marconi.
- Worked on wireless power transmission and other futuristic technologies.
Notable Works
- Development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system.
- Invention of the Tesla coil.
- Work on radio technology and wireless communication.
- Experiments with X-rays and high-frequency currents.
Legacy and Impact
Nikola Tesla's contributions to electrical engineering and physics were revolutionary. His AC power system is the foundation of modern electrical grids. His inventions and theoretical work have had a profound impact on technology, science, and society.