Alessandro Volta

Born Feb 18, 1745: Alessandro Volta (1745–1827) 

was an Italian physicist known for his pioneering work in electricity. His most significant contribution was the invention of the voltaic pile in 1800, the first electrical battery, which produced a steady electric current. This invention was crucial in the field of electrochemistry and led to the development of modern electrical science. Volta's work laid the foundation for the study of electricity and its applications, and the unit of electric potential, the volt, is named in his honor.

The "Voltaic Pile" or "Voltaic Cell" invented by Alessandro Volta was a device that produced a steady flow of electricity. It consisted of alternating layers of two different metals, typically zinc and copper, separated by discs or plates of cardboard or cloth soaked in an electrolyte solution.

The construction of the Voltaic Pile involved stacking multiple pairs of metal discs, each pair consisting of one zinc disc and one copper disc, with a separator in between. The separators were typically pieces of cardboard or cloth soaked in a saline solution or an acidic solution. The stack of alternating metal discs and separators formed a column or pile.

When the top and bottom of the stack were connected with a conductor, such as a wire, a chemical reaction occurred within the pile. This reaction, known as an electrochemical reaction, involved the transfer of electrons between the zinc and copper discs through the electrolyte solution.

The Voltaic Pile functioned based on the principle of electrochemical potential difference between the two metals. The zinc, being more reactive, would undergo oxidation, losing electrons and generating positive ions in the process. These electrons would then flow through the external circuit, creating an electric current. At the same time, reduction would occur at the copper discs, where the positive ions from the electrolyte solution would accept electrons and be reduced.

The Voltaic Pile demonstrated the production of a continuous and stable flow of electricity, thus becoming the first practical device capable of generating a consistent electrical current. Volta's invention marked a significant advancement in the field of electricity and laid the foundation for future developments in electrical technology.

The Voltaic Pile had a profound impact on the understanding and utilization of electricity. It inspired further experimentation and led to subsequent inventions, including the development of batteries with improved designs and materials. The concept of the Voltaic Pile also contributed to the development of early electrochemical cells and the understanding of electrochemistry as a scientific discipline.

10 Killer Hacks to Become Better at Lying

There are 2 benefits of learning how to become a better liar.

First,

Lying is not the exception, it's the rule.

And the people who claim to fight against it are often the best liars among us.

Let's face it. Absolute and unapologetic honesty is reserved for a select few. For the rest, mastering the art of foolproof deception is key.

Then,

The best liars are also the most liar's proof.

When you understand the characteristics of a masterful lie—its dos and don'ts—you become more adept at recognizing deception, even when it is well-executed.

By learning how to lie, you also learn how to uncover them.

1. Choose Your Lies Wisely

The more you lie, the greater the chance people uncover them and all this will end up earning you an untrustful reputation.

Lies are tools. Don't use them as a means of avoiding situations that trigger insecurities like most do. Use them to protect.

2. Don't Give Details

Keep your lie direct and simple.

Offering unsolicited details raises suspicion and creates potential weak points that could be exploited later on.

Provide only the least information necessary and observe. In most cases, no one will bother to dig deeper.

3. Build the Perfect Alibi

Even if they're unlikely to want further explanations, you want to avoid finding yourself in a situation where they do.

If you hesitate, even for a second, it's game over.

So work out a detailed and complete story in your mind before you lie.

4. Root Your Lies in Truth

By inventing elements in your false stories, you risk exposing inconsistencies that are hard to justify without resorting to further lies.

It's a precarious house of cards, ready to crumble.

Always root your lie in real and verifiable truths.

5. Redirect Attention

Lying should be your last resort. But if you can't avoid it, don't let attention linger too long on you.

Tap into people's egoistic nature by transitioning from lying to talking about them.

If done right, they'll be delighted to take the floor.

6. Control Your Body Language

Words deceive, but bodies never do.

When you lie, your body betrays you through fidgeting and grooming habits—clear signs of dishonesty.

Don't try to control these cues; suppress them.

One widely recognized posture is the hands-joined position.

7. Maintain Your Voice Level

The way you speak conveys as much if not more meaning as to what you say.

Pitch, tone, and level are all elements that showcase how confident you are.

Liars often begin with a high-volume voice but gradually lower it towards the end.

8. Keep Your Gaze Check

Contrary to popular belief, liars make more eye contact. This is how they gauge whether or not you believe their lies.

On the flip side, avoiding eye contact screams guilt.

Strike a balance. Maintain steady eye contact, but break it every 2-3 seconds.

9. Crack a Joke

Humor is a good way to hide the truth.

By incorporating jokes into your lie, it becomes difficult to distinguish between reality and jest.

Consider this your safety net. Even if someone uncovers the truth, you can still claim they failed to grasp your humor.

10. Forget the Family Issue Lie

Family issues the the classic lie used to justify all sorts of excuses.

It's a convenient alibi since most people won't dig any deeper out of respect. But that's also too suspicious. Just find something less common.