Who among the following introduced the concept of electric field for the first time?

Michael Faraday

The correct answer is option 2. Michael Faraday.

Michael Faraday, a pioneering English scientist in the field of electromagnetism, introduced the concept of the electric field in the 19th century. His work revolutionized the understanding of electricity and magnetism and laid the foundation for much of modern physics.

Faraday's insight was to propose the existence of an electric field surrounding charged objects. He envisioned this field as a region of influence extending outward from charged particles, where other charged particles would experience forces due to the presence of these charges.

Faraday's ideas were inspired by his experimental investigations into the behavior of charged objects and electric forces. Through experiments involving charged conductors, insulators, and electromagnets, he observed the effects of electric charges and their interactions with each other.

Faraday introduced the concept of "lines of force" to represent the electric field. He envisioned these lines as imaginary lines extending outward from positively charged objects and inward toward negatively charged objects. The density and direction of these lines indicated the strength and direction of the electric field at any point in space.

While Faraday's concept of the electric field was primarily qualitative and geometric in nature, it laid the groundwork for later development of mathematical formalisms by other scientists, notably James Clerk Maxwell. Maxwell's equations, formulated in the mid-19th century, provided a comprehensive mathematical framework for describing electric and magnetic fields, as well as their interactions.

Faraday's introduction of the electric field concept marked a significant advancement in the understanding of electromagnetism. His ideas not only provided a conceptual framework for understanding electric forces but also contributed to the development of practical applications, including the invention of electric motors, generators, and transformers.

In summary, Michael Faraday introduced the concept of the electric field to explain the behavior of electric charges and their interactions. His insights laid the foundation for modern electromagnetism and had a profound impact on both theoretical physics and practical engineering.