Exploring the Life and Inventions of Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, a prolific inventor with over 1,000 patents, revolutionized the world with inventions like the phonograph and the electric light bulb. Born in 1847, Edison faced early challenges but thrived under his mother's guidance. His career began with telegraphy, leading to significant contributions in telecommunication and electricity. Edison's Menlo Park lab was a hub of innovation, producing the first commercially viable light bulb. Despite personal losses and fierce competition with Westinghouse, Edison left a lasting legacy in technology and innovation.

What was the first job Thomas Edison took as a young boy?

• Teaching at a local school

• Selling newspapers on trains

• Assisting in a local lab

• Working in a factory

Which invention made Thomas Edison famous worldwide?

• The light bulb

• The phonograph

• The motion picture camera

• The telegraph

What was Edison's proposal for answering the telephone?

• Hello

• Ahoy

• Yes

• Ready

What material did Edison's team find success with for the light bulb filament?

• Copper wire

• Carbonized bamboo

• Sewing thread coated with soot

• Silk fiber

What was a major limitation of Edison's direct current (DC) electrical system?

• It required too much maintenance

• It was not safe

• It could only transmit electricity over short distances

• It was too expensive

Which company did Edison's company merge with to form General Electric?

• Westinghouse Electric

• Thomson-Houston Company

• Bell Telephone Company

• Tesla Electric Light Company

What was Edison's reaction to Westinghouse lighting the 1893 Chicago World's Fair?

• He congratulated Westinghouse

• He refused to sell light bulbs to Westinghouse

• He tried to sabotage the event

• He partnered with Westinghouse for the event

What did Edison focus on in his later years?

• Building more power stations

• Creating early movie technology

• Developing new telegraph technology

• Improving the light bulb

How many US patents did Thomas Edison receive in his lifetime?

• Around 1500

• Over 1000

• Exactly 1093

• Less than 900

What nationwide tribute was paid to Edison after his death?

• Statues were erected in major cities

• A minute of silence

• Turning off electric lights for a minute

• A national holiday