When Nikola Tesla created
alternating current (AC) in the late 1800s, the world didn't realize
that electricity was about to change for the better. In fact,
businessmen like Thomas Edison, a fellow inventor, tried to discredit
Tesla for the discovery since he invested heavily in direct current
(DC). In fact, many of Tesla's inventions conflicted with business
interests.
What exactly was in AC that
gave DC a run for its money? AC traveled in a wave-like motion,
moving power more efficiently than DC’s straight-line motion. This
innovation meant electricity can be distributed to long distances
using low voltages, which is much safer. Tesla demonstrated the
safety of AC by using his own body as a conduit to light up lamps.
