If magnetism did not exist, electrical generation would be confined to only electrostatic-friction generation methods as in several centuries ago experiments. Or perhaps collecting lightning bolts.

 

If magnetism did not exist, would that early method of electrical generation somehow make its way to a useable, marketable, widely distributed and vital to modern life developments ?

 

Electrostatic generators can generate few thousands to few millions volts. Enough to ionize gas.

Plug electrostatic generator to discharge tube, and you will have very bright light source that can be used in night.

It's easier to make discharge tube, than light bulb, though. It doesn't require vacuum, doesn't use rare metal for filament.

Neon lamps are examples of modern discharge tubes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_lamp

 

Geissler tube 20 years predates Incandescent light bulb:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geissler_tube

Edited November 1, 201510 yr by Sensei

If magnetism did not exist, electrical generation would be confined to only electrostatic-friction generation methods as in several centuries ago experiments. Or perhaps collecting lightning bolts.

But why did you exclude batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, thermocouples... ?

 

Also, do you talk about no magnetism at all, or only no ferromagnetism? In the first case I suspect that three might be drastic differences in how universe would look like - someone with better knowledge of phisics might provide better answer.

 

Without ferromagnetism, I guess, we might see some more electrostatic generators around, but nothing that compares to todays methods of electrical generation. It would be the price of electricity that would limit wide usage of electricity in general.

If magnetism did not exist then all of E&M is wrong, and you can't possibly extrapolate what the new laws of physics would be. Danijel's suggestion of no ferromagnetism being available (e.g. the Curie point of materials is lower than room temperature for the few ferromagnetic materials available) is a more manageable conjecture.

 

If magnetism did not exist

 

Next, you will be asking what would an Englishman have for breakfast with his eggs if bacon did not exist, or what would he eat for lunch with his fish if chips did not exist.

 

 

Next, you will be asking what would an Englishman have for breakfast with his eggs if bacon did not exist, or what would he eat for lunch with his fish if chips did not exist.

 

No true Scotsman would ask such a question...