Charles Augustin De Coulomb
Charles Augustin de Coulomb was a French physicist best known for developing the law of physics which is named after him. Coulomb’s law, also known as Coulomb’s inverse-square law, describes the electrostatic interactions between electrically charged particles. It was his discoveries and studies during the late 18th century that formed the foundation for the development of the theory of electromagnetism later on. He made equally important contributions in the field of friction studies, torsions, applied mechanics, and magnetism. Born into a wealthy family, he received a good education and was a very studious and bright student. He graduated from the Royal Engineering School of Mézières (École royale du génie de Mézières) and held a number of engineering jobs over the course of his professional life. He was also interested in research and began to write papers on applied mechanics. Alongside his engineering career, he continued his own work on friction and magnetism. Once he was asked to report on the feasibility of a navigable canal. Through his research he concluded that the proposed plan was too expensive—this angered the French bureaucracy and he was penalized. Knowing that he was right, he felt disappointed with the French government and decided to invest his efforts in the study of physics instead.
Childhood & Early Life
Charles
Coulomb was born on 14 June 1736, in Angouleme, France, to aristocratic
parents. His father, Henri Coulomb worked as a lawyer, while his mother
Catherine Bajet hailed from a well-established family.
Major Works
He
is best known for developing Coulomb’s law which he first published in
1785. This law which described the electrostatic interaction between
electrically charged particles led to the development of the theory of
electromagnetism
Awards & Achievements
- His memoir on magnetic compasses earned him a shared first prize in the Paris Académie des Sciences competition in 1777.
- In 1781, he won the first prize at the Académie des Sciences for his work, ‘Theorie des Machines Simples ("Theory of Simple Machines")’ and was elected to the Academie as adjoint mécanicien.Personal Life & Legacy
- Charles Coulomb started a relationship with Louise Francoise LeProust Desormeaux with whom he had two sons. He married her in 1802 after the birth of their second son.
- He had always been of a delicate health. His later years were marked by ill health and he died on 23 August 1806.A lunar feature, ‘Crater Coulomb’ is named after him to honor his contributions to the world.
Trivia
- His name is included among the 72 names inscribed on the Eiffel Tower.
- The SI unit of electric charge, the coulomb, was named after him.
- The theory of earth pressure and the generalized wedge theory, related to soil mechanics propounded by him still form the basis of engineering practice.
- He is credited with the invention of the torsion balance.
