Heinrich Hertz, a brilliant German scientist, conducted experiments that proved the behavior of the electromagnetic waves predicted by James Maxwell.
He also built an apparatus to measure the velocity of the electromagnetic waves. In addition, Hertz proved Maxwell’s theory that light and heat are electromagnetic radiations.
Hertz discovered the photoelectric effect which states that a charged object loses its charge faster when exposed to ultraviolet light. The unit of frequency measured in cycles per second as named ‘hertz’ in his honour.
Hertz’s proof of the existence of airborne electromagnetic waves led to further experimentation with this new form of electromagnetic radiation, which was called ‘Hertzian waves’.
Around 1910, this was replaced with the term ‘radio waves’. Hertz’ discovery eventually led to the invention of the wireless telegraph, and the radio.
