Body Quote by Benjamin Franklin
![“And we daily in our experiments electrise bodies plus or minus, as we think proper. [These terms we may use till your Philosophers give us better.] To electrise plus or minus, no more needs to be known than this, that the parts of the Tube or Sphere, that are rubb'd, do, in the Instant of…” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4cf/benjamin-franklin-65_body_and-we-daily-in-our-experiments-electris_2159838.jpg)
“And we daily in our experiments electrise bodies plus or minus, as we think proper. [These terms we may use till your Philosophers give us better.] To electrise plus or minus, no more needs to be known than this, that the parts of the Tube or Sphere, that are rubb'd, do, in the Instant of Friction, attract the Electrical Fire, and therefore take it from the Thin rubbing; the same parts immediately, as the Friction upon them ceases, are disposed to give the fire they have received, to any Body that has less.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Experiments on Electricity, 1749
Franklin describes how friction creates electric charge, noting that rubbed parts attract and then release this "electrical fire" to other bodies.
In simple terms: Rubbing creates charge that can be transferred.
Key Takeaway
Observe friction to generate static electricity.
Themes
science
experimentation
electricity
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
educational
scientific
When to use this quote
- classroom demos
- science fairs
- DIY experiments
Key Concepts
electrostatics
charge transfer
Questions to Reflect On
- How does friction generate charge?
- What materials maximize this effect?
A Different Perspective
Limited to static electricity; not applicable to modern circuits.
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