Hans Christian Ørsted was a Danish physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetism in 1820. He is considered a major figure in the study of electromagnetism and was one of the founders of
modern physics. He also conducted important research in chemistry and was the first to isolate aluminum. Ørsted was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark, and studied science at the University of Copenhagen, where he earned his doctorate in 1815. After graduating, he became a professor at the university and continued his research in electromagnetism, eventually discovering the connection between electricity and magnetism. Ørsted’s research helped pave the way for the development of new technologies like electric motors and generators. He was also a proponent of teaching science in a more practical way, and founded the first scientific society in Denmark.