Andre Marie Ampère Biography

Short Summary

André-Marie Ampère was a pioneering French physicist and mathematician, renowned for his groundbreaking work in electromagnetism. He is best known for formulating Ampère's law, which describes the magnetic force between two electrical currents. His contributions laid the foundation for the science of electrodynamics, and he is considered one of the founders of the field of classical electromagnetism. Ampère's name is immortalized in the ampere, the unit of electric current in the International System of Units.

Early Life & Education

Born on January 20, 1775, in Lyon, France, André-Marie Ampère was the son of Jean-Jacques Ampère, a prosperous businessman, and Jeanne Antoinette Desutières-Sarcey Ampère. His father encouraged his passion for learning, and despite the turmoil of the French Revolution, Ampère pursued his education at home. He was a child prodigy with an early interest in mathematics, and by the age of 13, he had mastered differential calculus. Ampère's education was largely self-directed, enabling him to explore various scientific disciplines, which later influenced his multifaceted career.

Career Highlights

Ampère's career began with a position as a mathematics teacher in Lyon in 1802, followed by a professorship at the École Polytechnique in Paris in 1809. In 1820, inspired by Hans Christian Ørsted's discovery of electromagnetism, he conducted his own experiments leading to the formulation of Ampère's law. He also held a position at the Collège de France, where he continued his research and teaching. His work in electrodynamics solidified his status as a leading scientist of his time, and his contributions extended beyond physics to include chemistry and philosophy.

Major Achievements

Formulated Ampère's law, which describes the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields.
Helped establish the field of electrodynamics, influencing future developments in electrical engineering.
Developed the theory of electromagnetism, which laid the groundwork for Maxwell's equations.
Published the influential work "Mémoire sur la théorie mathématique des phénomènes électrodynamiques uniquement déduite de l'expérience" in 1827.

Famous Quotes

"The one true wisdom is to have a heart fully capable of experiencing feeling."
"To know the truth is to discover the law of the universe."

Interesting Facts

The unit of electric current, the ampere, is named in his honor.
Ampère was a member of the French Academy of Sciences from 1814.
He had a keen interest in philosophy and wrote extensively on the subject.
Despite his scientific achievements, he was deeply religious and integrated his faith into his scientific work.

Legacy / Influence

Ampère's work laid the foundation for modern electromagnetism and had a profound impact on the development of electrical engineering. His contributions are integral to the understanding of electrical circuits and magnetic fields, influencing generations of scientists and engineers. His legacy is enshrined in the ampere, a fundamental unit of measurement, ensuring his name remains central to the study of physics.