Pabello, Rhaiza P.

April 21,
2020
War of the Currents Physics 2C –
Section 1

“The War of the Currents”

Towards the end of the 19 th century, two notable figures in physics clashed in what we now
call the “War of the Currents”. Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla battled over which electrical system
would become America’s norm. Edison fought to prove that direct current (DC), in which electrical
current flows steadily in one direction, was superior when compared to Tesla’s alternating current
(AC), in which the current’s flow alternates constantly.

You may know Edison as the person who invented the light bulb, but he also had over 1000
patents under his name. He was the world’s most notable inventor at the time, however the industry
was at a standstill. As life progressed, people needed to replace gas lamp as their light source as it was
cost inefficient. Upon inventing the lightbulb, he then needed to develop an electrical system to
support this new source of light in every household. His primary focus then was in direct current.
After successfully developing his system, Edison opened his first powerplant in New York in 1882

Thousands of miles away from Edison, is a young physics student, Tesla, who is envisioning
a more efficient electrical system, one where it reaches more people. Direct current, as it is simple, it
is easy to make, however it does come with its limitations. Since Edison’s powerplants can only cover
an area within a half mile radius, Tesla wants to breakthrough that and come up with a way to cover
larger areas and even power up bigger machines.

Upon being employed by Edison, Tesla strived to persuade Edison to switch to alternating
current. However, Edison just thought of it as impossible as it required a higher voltage than direct
current. To Edison this is just too risky, as he just wants his system to be improved. Because of their
differences, they parted ways. Tesla, after surviving many hardships, was able to get sponsorships to
support his research. He gained more and more support, notably George Westinghouse, over time
especially since his system can power up motors with little to no friction, and deliver that power more
efficiently than Edison’s. This was the game changer.

As people were leaning in towards alternating current, Edison was threatened. He resorted to
undermining Tesla’s work. But, as Edison’s board of directors lost their trust in him and were also
thinking that alternating current will be the new standard, they cast him at the sidelines. During the
battle for the Niagara Falls corporation, Tesla won the company over. But due to complicated legal
circumstances, Tesla failed to profit over his works and died penniless.

If given the chance to turn back time, I would’ve sided with Nikola Tesla. I know how safe
direct current can be and looking for improving this particular system maybe easier than tackling a
new, riskier, and unknown system, like alternating current, but Edison should’ve tried at least to look
into alternating current. I would’ve supported Tesla simply because of one reason, he wanted to widen
the target market. The electricity then was controlled solely by Edison, but because of Tesla’s
relentless persistence in pursuing a more efficient way to provide electricity, we have him to thank for
everything we enjoy today, from the cool breeze from the air-condition to charging different devices.