On April 16, 1746, in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands, a peculiar and unforgettable event took place. During that era, following advancements in science and technology in Europe, various inventions and experiments were taking place. In this context, Pieter van Musschenbroek, a renowned physics professor at Utrecht University, was conducting research on the transmission and storage of electricity.
Van Musschenbroek placed a metal knobbed rod inside a glass jar filled with water for an experiment. He then positioned an electrode on the top of the jar, intending to use it to collect atmospheric electricity. However, during the experiment, van Musschenbroek and his assistant unexpectedly felt an electric charge as they attempted to close the gap between the electrode and the knob. This charge surprised the experimenters and, in a way, created a "shock" effect.
This event triggered the discovery of the Leyden jar. The Leyden jar, known as the first capacitor, was designed to store electrostatic energy and release it later. This invention paved the way for many more experiments and discoveries in the field of electricity, significantly contributing to the development of electrical science.
The occurrence at Utrecht University marked a crucial turning point in the history of science, representing a fundamental invention in the storage of electricity.
