Faraday was an English chemist and physicist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. He studied the magnetic field around a conductor carrying a DC electric current, and established the basis for the magnetic field concept in physics. He discovered electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and laws of electrolysis.

He established that magnetism could affect rays of light and that there was an underlying relationship between the two phenomena. His inventions of electromagnetic rotary devices formed the foundation of electric motor technology.

It is largely due to his efforts that electricity became viable for use in many areas of technology.