Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer, born on July 10, 1856. He is best known for his contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the standard form of electrical power used today. Tesla's innovations also include the Tesla coil, a device used in radio technology, and various advancements in wireless communication. Throughout his life, Tesla held over 300 patents and worked on numerous projects, including the development of the induction motor and the concept of wireless energy transmission. Despite his groundbreaking work, he struggled with financial stability and recognition during his later years, passing away on January 7, 1943.