Nikola Tesla: A

Revolutionary
Inventor
The Life and Legacy of a Genius
By: Muddasar Nawaz
 Nikola Tesla
• Pioneered Alternating Current (AC) technology, revolutionizing electrical
power distribution.
• Invented the Tesla Coil, which was crucial in developing radio technology
and wireless communications.
• Developed the concept of the rotating magnetic field, leading to the
creation of AC motors.
• Worked on early forms of X-ray imaging and experimented with wireless
energy transmission.
• Held over 300 patents across various technological fields.
• Envisioned the possibility of wireless communication and data transfer,
predicting the invention of smartphones and the internet.
• Tesla's work laid the foundation for modern electric power generation
and transmission.
• Advocated for renewable energy sources, exploring solar and wind
energy.
• Contributed to the development of remote control technology.
• Remained a devoted advocate for scientific advancement and human
progress.
 Early life

• - Born in 1856 in Smiljan,

Croatia
• - Family of Serbian origin
• - Father was an Orthodox
priest
• - Mother was an inventor
of household appliances
• - Early interest in
electrical phenomena
 Education

• Tesla began his education at home, taught by his mother and

father, receiving a strong foundation in mathematics and
physics
• He attended primary school in Smiljan and then in nearby
Gospic, showing early signs of genius, particularly in
mathematics and sciences.
• Tesla went to the Higher Real Gymnasium in Karlovac. He
excelled in his studies, particularly in physics, mathematics,
and mechanics. He also showed a deep interest in electrical
phenomena.
• During his schooling, Tesla learned to speak several languages
fluently, including Czech, English, French, German, Hungarian,
Italian, and Latin, demonstrating his linguistic abilities.
• Tesla suffered a bout of illness during his teenage years, but
during this period, he reportedly had visions of inventions he
would go on to create.
 Early career

• - Studied at Graz University

of Technology
• - Excelled in mathematics
and physics
• - Developed early interest
in alternating current
• - Left university to work at
Budapest Telephone
Exchange
• - Self-taught in various
scientific subjects
 Move to the
United States
• - Moved to Paris in 1882, worked at
Continental Edison Company
• - Focused on improving electrical
equipment
• - Gained practical experience in
electrical engineering
• - Developed induction motor and
alternating current system
• - Moved to the United States in 1884
 Work with Edison

• - Began working with Thomas Edison

in New York
• - Focused on improving DC generation
systems
• - Offered solutions for Edison's power
plants
• - Parted ways due to disagreements
• - Decided to pursue his own electrical
experiments
 AC vs. DC: The
War of Currents
• - Developed the alternating current
(AC) electrical system
• - AC more efficient for long-distance
power transmission
• - Collaborated with George
Westinghouse
• - AC power won against Edison's DC in
the 'War of Currents'
• - Success at the 1893 Chicago World's
Fair
 Tesla vs. Edison
• Different Approaches to Electricity: Tesla
favored Alternating Current (AC), while Edison
promoted Direct Current (DC) for electrical
power distribution.

• War of Currents: Their rivalry peaked during the

"War of Currents" in the late 1880s and early
1890s. Edison conducted public demonstrations
against AC to prove its dangers, while Tesla and
his partners advocated its efficiency and safety.

• Business and Partnerships: Edison was a shrewd

businessman and had established Edison
Electric Light Company. Tesla initially worked
with Edison but later partnered
 Tesla's
Innovations in AC
Power
• - Developed the first practical AC
induction motor
• - Invented the Tesla coil, essential for
wireless technologies
• - Developed AC generation and
transmission technology
• - AC system transformed the electric
power industry
• - Enabled long-distance electric power
transmission
 Wireless
Transmission of
Energy
• - Explored wireless transmission of
energy
• - Built Wardenclyffe Tower for wireless
power transmission
• - Aimed to provide free, global wireless
energy
• - Financial issues led to project
abandonment
• - Visionary idea of wireless
communication and energy transfer
 Inventions
• - Invented the Tesla coil, key in wireless
communication
• - Work in early radio technology and
remote control
• - Conducted experiments in
electrotherapy and X-rays
• - Explored resonant frequencies for
power transmission
• - Ideas in bladeless turbines and
vertical take-off aircraft
 Vision of the
Future

• - Visionary in predicting future

technologies
• - Predicted the development of
wireless communication
• - Envisioned renewable energy sources
• - Foreseen the creation of the Internet
• - Ideas about wireless transmission of
information and power
 Challenges and
Setbacks
• - Faced financial difficulties
throughout life
• - 1895 laboratory fire destroyed years
of research
• - Lost the patent battle over radio to
Marconi
• - Failed to find funding for
Wardenclyffe project
• - Lived in various hotels in New York
towards the end of his life
 • - Spent later years in New York City
hotels
• - Became increasingly isolated and
eccentric
• - Focused on personal projects and
Later life theoretical work
• - Fed pigeons, showing a particular
fondness for them
• - Passed away alone in 1943 in the
New Yorker Hotel
 Legacy in science
• Tesla's most significant contribution is his development of the alternating
current (AC) electrical system
• Tesla invented the Tesla coil around 1891. This device, which produces high-
voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating-current electricity, is still
used in radio technology and other forms of electronic equipment.
• His work laid the groundwork for the eventual development of wireless
communication technologies like radio, television, and cell phones.
• Tesla's prior work and patents were critical in the development of radio
technology. In 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized Tesla's contributions
and patented radio inventions, overturning Marconi's patent in favor of Tesla.
• Tesla developed a method for the remote control of vessels and vehicles. He
demonstrated a radio-controlled boat in 1898, which was among the earliest
examples of remote control.
• Tesla's development of the rotating magnetic field was a fundamental
discovery in physics. This principle was crucial in the operation of alternating
current motors and generators.
 Tesla's innovations form the basis of much of the modern world's
technology, including electric power generation and
transmission, radio wave propagation, and wireless
communications

Tesla Nikola Tesla's contributions to modern science are extensive and

have had a lasting impact on various fields.

impact
on Tesla's theories, inventions, and experiments form the
foundational principles of modern electrical engineering and

modern electromechanical systems.

science Tesla's contributions were not only foundational in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries but continue to influence and inspire
contemporary science and technology. His work laid the
groundwork for many modern technologies and continues to be
a subject of study and admiration in the scientific community.
Recognition
• Holding over 300 patents, Tesla's
inventions and theories spanned a
wide range of technologies.
• Columbia University: Awarded an
honorary degree in 1894.
• Yale University: Conferred an honorary
degree in 1894.
• University of Paris: Granted an
honorary degree in recognition of his
contributions to electrical engineering.
 Awards
• Edison Medal (1917): Awarded by the American
Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE), this
prestigious medal recognized Tesla's "meritorious
achievements in electrical science, electrical
engineering, and the electrical arts."
• Order of St. Sava: The Kingdom of Serbia
bestowed this honor upon Tesla for his work in
wireless communication and electrical
engineering.
• Order of Prince Danilo I: Awarded by the Kingdom
of Montenegro for his contributions to science.
• John Scott Medal (1934): Awarded by the City of
Philadelphia for his contributions to the "comfort,
welfare, and happiness" of humanity through
inventions.
 Cultural Impact

• Tesla's Image on Currency: Tesla's image has been

featured on the currency of various countries,
including Yugoslavia and Serbia, acknowledging his
heritage and contributions.
• Tesla Motors (Now Tesla, Inc.): Named in his honor,
Tesla Motors (now Tesla, Inc.) is a testament to his
vision of electrically powered transportation.
• Pop Culture Icon: Tesla has become a popular
figure in films, literature, and media, often
portrayed as a quintessential "mad scientist" and a
symbol of scientific genius.
 Museums and
Memorials
Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia
• Dedicated to preserving Tesla's legacy and displaying his
personal belongings, documents, and inventions.
• Houses more than 160,000 original documents and over
2,000 other items including Tesla's urn.
Tesla Memorial Complex, Smiljan, Croatia:
Located in Tesla’s birthplace, this complex includes a restored
version of Tesla’s birth house, a museum, and a church.
The museum features exhibits on Tesla's work and replicas of
his inventions.
Tesla Memorial Society of New York:

Works to promote Tesla's legacy and organize events in his

honor.
Advocates for the preservation of Tesla’s sites and promotes
education about his contributions.
 The Mystery of
Tesla's Lost
Inventions
• -These lost inventions have captivated the
imagination of many, leading to various
speculations and theories
• Tesla's most famous lost invention involves his
work on the wireless transmission of electrical
power.
• Earthquake Machine (Tesla's Oscillator): Tesla
claimed to have developed a small oscillating
device that, when attached to a building, could
shake it as if it were in an earthquake
• Death Ray (Teleforce): Tesla proposed a particle
beam weapon later in his life, which he called
"Teleforce." It was said to be capable of
generating beams of particles to bring down
enemy aircraft. Details of its design and
effectiveness were never fully revealed.
 Future
Technologies
Inspired by Tesla
• - Inspiration to modern inventors and
scientists
• - Legacy in wireless technology and
renewable energy
• - Influence seen in electric vehicles and
robotics
• - Continues to inspire technological
innovation
• - Symbol of creativity and visionary
thinking
 Tesla and
Renewable
Energy
• - Advocated for sustainable energy
solutions
• - Foreseen the importance of
renewable energy
• - Ideas on harnessing solar and wind
power
• - Vision of energy independence and
sustainability
• - Relevance in today's climate and
energy challenges
 Tesla in Education
• - Featured in STEM education worldwide
• - Role model for innovation and
perseverance
• - Inspires students in science and
engineering
• - Teachings highlight the importance of
creativity
• - Legacy used to motivate future
generations
 Tesla in Education

- INNOVATIONS INSPIRE FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES

- INFLUENCE ON WIRELESS COMMUNICATION AND POWER

- IDEAS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY

- LEGACY IN ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION

- CONTINUES TO SHAPE MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL

ADVANCES
 Future
Technologies
Inspired by Tesla
• - Pioneering contributions to electrical
engineering
• - Lasting impact on modern
technology and science
• - Inspiration to generations of
inventors
• - Legacy of perseverance and visionary
thinking
• - Enduring influence on technological
development
 Inspiration
for the
world

• - Featured in movies,
books, and music
• - Synonymous with
innovation and
futurism
• - Inspired numerous
fictional characters
• - Cultural icon of
scientific genius
• - Legacy in popular
culture continues to
grow
 "Tesla: Man Out of Time" by Margaret Cheney
• A comprehensive biography that delves into
Tesla's inventions, personal life, and his role in
the scientific world.
"Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla" by
Marc J. Seifer
• This biography offers a detailed look at Tesla's
Books on life, from his early years to his final days,
exploring his contributions and eccentricities.
Nicolas
"My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla"
Tesla • Tesla's own autobiography, providing insight
into his thoughts, inventions, and experiences.
"Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and
the Race to Electrify the World" by Jill Jonnes
• This book recounts the fierce competition
between Tesla, Edison, and Westinghouse in the
race to electrify the world.
 Movies on Nicolas Tesla
The Prestige" (2006)
• Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film, although primarily a work of fiction, features Tesla
(played by David Bowie) as a key character who invents a machine for the protagonist.
"Tesla" (2020)
• A biographical drama starring Ethan Hawke as Nikola Tesla. The film explores Tesla's life,
his interactions with Thomas Edison, and his struggles to bring his advanced electrical
system to fruition.
"The Current War" (2017)
• This historical drama focuses on the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George
Westinghouse, with Tesla played by Nicholas Hoult. It highlights the battle over the electric
power delivery system in the United States.
"The Secret of Nikola Tesla" (1980)
• A Yugoslav biographical film that portrays Tesla's life and work, starring Petar Božović as
Tesla.
"Tesla: Master of Lightning" (2000)
• A documentary based on the book by Margaret Cheney, featuring reenactments,
photographs, and interviews to chronicle Tesla's life and achievements
Movies
 Famous quotes

• "The present is theirs; the future, for which I really

worked, is mine.“
• Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone,
that is when ideas are born.“
• "I don't care that they stole my idea. I care that they
don't have any of their own.“
• If your hate could be turned into electricity, it would
light up the whole world.“
• Nature may reach the same result in many ways
• I do not think you can name many great inventions
that have been made by married men.“
 Conclusion:
Tesla's Enduring
Legacy
• - Extensive resources for further study
• - Biographies, documentaries, and
academic papers
• - Online archives of patents and
writings
• - Continued research and interest in his
work
• - Tesla's legacy remains a topic of
study and inspiration
Thank You /
Q&A
Thank you for your attention