A lighter initiates a small spark that leaps from one wire to another in the front pair, generating electromagnetic waves. These wires function as transmission antennas to enhance the waves. The two wires at the back act as receiving antennas, and they produce an electric current, similar to Hertz’s wire loop. Instead of igniting a spark on the receiver, this device illuminates a light bulb. The neon bulb is particularly suitable due to its high-voltage, low-current properties.
Upon deactivating the lights, the spark’s effect becomes visible. Although this process might appear simple, it involves both sending and receiving electromagnetic waves.
When Heinrich Hertz demonstrated his experimental verification of Maxwell’s equations, the scientific community was intrigued, and the general public’s curiosity was piqued. Journalists, being pragmatic, inquired about potential applications, to which Hertz responded that it was of no practical use. He stated that the experiment merely confirmed James Clerk Maxwell’s theories by showcasing invisible electromagnetic waves.
The broader purpose of scientific exploration often transcends immediate utility. Human curiosity drives individuals to ask questions and seek answers. While some conclusions may prove incorrect, the pursuit of knowledge persists. Occasionally, scientific endeavors unexpectedly yield practical applications. For instance, Hertz’s work not only validated Maxwell’s equations but also laid the groundwork for the first radio transmitter. This technology evolved into the wireless telegraph, enabling maritime communication via Morse code, and eventually led to the development of radio and television broadcasting.
The applications of electromagnetic waves extend further; they enable technologies such as radar and lidar, useful in measuring distances and in the functioning of self-driving cars. Modern communications, including cell phones, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, rely heavily on electromagnetic waves, which have become ubiquitous.
Investments in scientific research by the United States may or may not directly translate into economic growth. While some discoveries lack immediate applications, they enrich human understanding. For example, the detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes might not herald a new internet but contributes significantly to human knowledge.
