The unit of electric potential, the volt, is named after the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. Volta was a pioneer in the study of electricity and is credited with inventing the voltaic pile, an early form of battery. He also conducted experiments on the relationship between electric current and voltage, and discovered the relationship between the voltage of a battery and the number of cells it contains. In recognition of his contributions to the field of electricity, the International System of Units (SI) named the unit of electric potential after him in 1881.