🔬 Discovery

Arago's disc (rotational magnetism)

Disco de Arago (magnetismo de rotación)

Date
1824 · confidence high
Place
Paris, France
Credited to
François Arago
Field
Matter & energy

What was discovered

Arago observed that a spinning copper disc drags a magnetised needle held above it, although copper is not magnetic. It was the first effect of induced currents, which Faraday explained in 1831.

What it led to

  • Faraday's electromagnetic induction (1831)
  • eddy-current braking
  • induction meters and speedometers
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Sources✓ verified 2026-11-04