Rudolf Kohlrausch German physicist. Date of Birth: 06.11.1809 Country: Germany

1. Rudolf Kohlrausch
2. Early Career and Academic Appointments
3. University Positions and Research Contributions
4. Groundbreaking Work on Capacitors and the Law of Volta
5. Collaboration and Publication
6. Legacy and Influence

Rudolf Kohlrausch

Rudolf Kohlrausch was a prominent German physicist whose contributions to electricity and electrical measurement were significant.

Early Career and Academic Appointments

Born in 1809, Kohlrausch began his career as a teacher at the academy in Lüneburg (1833-1835). He subsequently moved to the gymnasium in Rinteln (1835-1845), where he served as a physics professor. In 1845, he assumed the role of professor of physics at the Polytechnic School in Kassel.

University Positions and Research Contributions

In 1853, Kohlrausch was appointed professor of physics at the University of Marburg. He later relocated to the University of Erlangen in 1857, where he continued his research and teaching. Kohlrausch's primary area of interest was electricity, particularly electrostatic phenomena.

Groundbreaking Work on Capacitors and the Law of Volta

Kohlrausch's most notable contributions include his pioneering investigations of electric capacitors. He conducted meticulous studies of the phenomena occurring within capacitors and developed a precise method for measuring capacitance. Furthermore, he rigorously tested and verified the Law of Volta using a capacitor he designed, laying the groundwork for subsequent advancements in electrical measurement.

Collaboration and Publication

Kohlrausch collaborated closely with Wilhelm Weber on the seminal work entitled "Electrodynamische Maasbestimmungen." In this publication, they presented the first measurements of electric current in mechanical units, which became the foundation for the system of absolute units in electricity and magnetism.

Legacy and Influence

Rudolf Kohlrausch's legacy endures in the field of electricity and electrical engineering. His pioneering research on capacitors and the Law of Volta shaped the development of electrical measurement techniques and contributed to the establishment of a unified system of electrical units. His work continues to inspire and inform researchers and practitioners in the field today.