Faraday Cage: History and Importance

Why did Faraday build his cage back in 1837? This deep dive goes from Benjamin Franklin to Coulomb in the 1700s to the development of radio waves and the Tesla coil. Then I go even further to how the Faraday cage helped JJ Thomson to discover the electron and how it is used to save us from microwaves, EMPs and electronic snooping.

Links:

The video of the stage show at the spark museum was taken by me aside from the Tesla coil with the birdcage which is found at:

The clip of the movie is edited for time but can be found:

The lightning hitting airplanes is from:

[johnopalko]

In the 1980s I worked at Bell Labs and watched with great interest as they constructed a huge Faraday cage in one corner of the building and then installed a laboratory inside it. I had no idea what went on there except it was a government-classified project known only by its code name, which I don't remember.

One day I met one of the researchers who worked in the Faraday cage and I asked if it was intended to keep signals out or to keep them in. She just smiled and said, "I can't tell you that."

[rclv]

This lady is legit. I wish they'd show her videos in my electrical classes. I don't think I've ever seen a better mix of the history and the science. Because the history can really help understand the science when you get background on what the scientists were thinking, what were they theorizing, what were they seeing, what they were trying to understand. It's nice how it all came together.

[geraldmartin]

Love your work, well done again, thank you! Just recommended you (through his dad) to my 13 year old grandson. He loves things science and history, I'm sure you'll quickly become a favourite.

[pjmarchessault]

I love all your historical facts and your amazing research! I learned so much as usual. Thank you a million. The best part of THIS episode was the bloopers at the end. haha what a great idea!

[EarlWallaceNYC]

I truly enjoy your enthusiasm and historical connections, even on subjects I already know. Thanks for making my day a little more thrilling.

[jme]

Hi Kathy. New sub. Your style reminds me very much of my math and physics teacher back in the late ‘60s into the ‘70s who, much to the chagrin of their students, required oral reports on prominent mathematicians and scientists who made ground-breaking discoveries. It was from that which awakened my curiosity and ultimately launched me into a career path in science and technology. Keep up the great work there are many more to persuade…

[ahmedrafea]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Kathy. Can not express how entertaining, informative and inspiring these series of videos are. Keep up this awesome work.

[markholm]

I have worked in two companies whose laboratories had Faraday cages. They used them to produce electromagnetically quiet environments where they could measure emissions from their products without interference. I think Faraday cages are actually pretty common now in a world where electronic devices are very common and have to be tested both for electromagnetic emissions and for the effects of external electromagnetic radiation applied to them.

[kendebusk]

Although not the largest youtube channel, yours is one of the best. You're a "natural born" teacher :)

[HobbyHalloween]

Congrats on the book, I hope it sells well. I plan to preorder when you set it up.

[zm]

Kathy I love your humor, as I was giving you a thumbs up for your brilliance then you continued to tell me I had no friends

[smilinjack]

Hi Kathy. AS a longtime Faraday fan, I'm glad to know many facts about him that are knew to me.

Over the last few years, I came across an early scientific paper by Maxwell about Faraday's
studies of E & M; i was amazed at how much Maxwell developed the math that would later become his moumental work, which would later inspire Einstein and the rest of us 125 years later. I believe that earlier work of Maxwell's was written about mid-century.

[daffyduck]

Thanks Kathy. This was a great video.

[adambarker]

Great stuff! I cannot get enough stories about Faraday, even if I have read a big biography. I seem to remember that Whewell, you showed a letter from Faraday to him, helped Faraday out with naming anodes/cathodes etc., at Faraday's request.

It might be worth mentioning Faraday's religious beliefs, which were unusual (he was a Sandemanian), and contributed a lot to his humble attitude, refusing honours and so on.

I find it unbearably sad reading Faraday's last letter to his longtime friend, which you quoted. "I will write no more", due to his loss of memory and mental acuity.

[jeffparisse]

Another fantastic video Kathy! Oh Wow! I’m so excited for your book release! 🤓

[rfvtgbzhn]

23:32 from what I know only military equipment is protected from EMP. It would still disable the power grid and most civilian electronic devices. The power grid is actually all but unprotected to maximize profits, from what I know it can even be disabled by a strong solar storm like the 1859 Carrington Event.

[jamesbentonticer]

Standing in a Faraday cage is on my bucket list.

[johnjenkins]

Beautiful job, Kathy! I can't wait to get your book! We should carry it in the Museum store!

[ryansmith]

Kathy you are awesome! I've been binge watching your videos for a week now. I've taught science and especially physics from primary school to university level and always try to weave some history in where I can. You have turned that passion up to 11. Thank you so much for putting this stuff out. Really loving seeing the original papers and also what you choose to emphasise. All power and best wishes to you 🙏🙌

[multiplysixbynine]

Brilliant! I can’t wait for your book.