Prof. Dr. Thorsten Jungmann (last updated 2025-08-28)
André-Marie Ampère (1775–1836) was an eminent French physicist and mathematician who is regarded as one of the founders of electrodynamics. Among other things, he recognized that electric currents generate magnetic fields, and on this basis formulated what is known as Ampère’s law. Through experiments he demonstrated that two parallel current-carrying conductors attract or repel each other, depending on whether the currents flow in the same or in opposite directions. In doing so, he laid the foundation for understanding the relationship between electricity, magnetism and the resulting forces.
Ampère introduced the concept of electric current and defined the technical current direction that is still in use today. His name lives on in the SI unit of electric current and of magnetomotive force, the ampere (A). In addition, Ampère developed one of the first electromagnetic telegraphs and provided decisive impetus for the development of the electric motor. Many of his findings were crucial for later technical developments, including electric motors, transformers and electrical communication.
Despite personal setbacks, such as the early loss of his father during the French Revolution, Ampère devoted his life to the natural sciences with a great thirst for knowledge and autodidactic curiosity. His legacy shapes electrical engineering and physics to this day.
Reference and further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André-Marie_Ampère
Image source: Wikipedia