Thomas Edison: Inventions and Contributions

Thomas Edison, born in 1847, faced early educational challenges but was homeschooled by his mother. He began his career as a telegraph operator and later worked on the quadruplex telegraph system. Edison's notable inventions include the phonograph and improvements to the lightbulb, though he often built on others' ideas. He was involved in the War of Currents against Nikola Tesla, advocating for direct current. Edison also ventured into motion pictures and concrete furniture. Despite criticisms of his methods, Edison was a successful businessman and left a lasting impact on technology and industry.

Where was Thomas Edison born?

• Midland, Ohio

• New York, New York

• Port Huron, Michigan

• Louisville, Kentucky

What job did Edison take up after saving a station agent's daughter?

• Train conductor

• Newspaper editor

• Telegraph operator

• School teacher

What was Edison's first invention?

• Phonograph

• Kinetoscope

• Quadruplex telegraph

• Lightbulb

What was the phonograph primarily designed to record?

• Sound effects

• Music

• Radio broadcasts

• Voice

Who did Edison collaborate with on the development of the lightbulb?

• Nikola Tesla

• Joseph Wilson Swan

• Alexander Graham Bell

• George Westinghouse

What type of current did Edison promote in his electrical distribution system?

• Alternating current

• Pulsating current

• Direct current

• Static current

What was the kinetoscope used for?

• Lighting homes

• Transmitting telegraphs

• Displaying moving images

• Recording sound

What unusual material did Edison attempt to use for furniture?

• Plastic

• Metal

• Concrete

• Wood

What were Edison's religious beliefs a mix of?

• Christianity and Buddhism

• Pantheism and deism

• Atheism and agnosticism

• Islam and Hinduism

How is Edison best remembered in terms of his contributions?

• As a political leader

• As a famous scientist

• As a successful businessman

• As a groundbreaking inventor