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Electricity refers to the set of physical phenomena involving electric charge and its motion, and it is fundamentally unified with magnetism through the theory of electromagnetism, which explains common occurrences like lightning and static electricity. At its core, electric charges generate electric fields, while their movement produces electric currents and magnetic fields, with forces described by Coulomb's law and electric potential measured in volts. This science underpins modern technology, powering everything from electronics like transistors and integrated circuits to global systems of transport, heating, lighting, and communication, making it the foundation of industrial society. The study of electricity dates back to antiquity, with ancient Egyptian texts from 2750 BCE describing shocks from electric fish and Thales of Miletus observing static electricity from rubbed amber around 600 BCE. The modern scientific understanding began in 1600 when William Gilbert coined the term electricus, leading to the English words "electric" and "electricity" in Thomas Browne's 1646 work. The major breakthrough came in the 19th century with the development of electromagnetism, which drove the Second Industrial Revolution and enabled electricity's widespread industrial and residential application by the century's end.