Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant challenge did Edison face while setting up his power plant on Pearl Street?
What significant challenge did Edison face while setting up his power plant on Pearl Street?
- Securing customers for the service
- Constructing the commercial buildings
- Laying extensive underground wiring (correct)
- Creating the incandescent light bulb
How many customers were signed up by Edison by the time the Pearl Street Station began operation?
How many customers were signed up by Edison by the time the Pearl Street Station began operation?
- 400 customers
- 80 customers (correct)
- 1000 customers
- 500 customers
What did the New York Times describe about the newly inaugurated power plant's service?
What did the New York Times describe about the newly inaugurated power plant's service?
- The brightness of the light
- The efficiency of the power supply
- The high cost to consumers
- The soft, mellow light (correct)
What issue arose with Edison's system after it became operational?
What issue arose with Edison's system after it became operational?
In what way did Edison's commercial power plant influence the electrical market?
In what way did Edison's commercial power plant influence the electrical market?
Flashcards
Edison's Electrical System
Edison's Electrical System
The process of generating and distributing electricity to consumers, which Edison developed after creating the incandescent light bulb.
Pearl Street Station
Pearl Street Station
Edison's first commercial power plant, located on Pearl Street in New York City, which was a major technological advancement and marked the beginning of the electrical age.
Underground Wiring
Underground Wiring
A significant technical challenge in establishing Edison's power plant, requiring the installation of underground cables for electricity transmission, which was a major expense.
Early Adopters of Electricity
Early Adopters of Electricity
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Financial Challenges of Pearl Street Station
Financial Challenges of Pearl Street Station
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Study Notes
Edison's Pearl Street Power Plant
- Edison developed a system to generate and distribute electricity for incandescent light bulbs in 1879.
- He established a commercial power plant in New York City's First District (Pearl Street) in 1882.
- The plant housed six dynamos, steam engines, and required significant wiring.
- Nearly 100,000 feet of wiring was laid in underground conduits.
- Initially, around 80 customers (400 bulbs) were signed up.
- The New York Times reported on the "soft, mellow" light.
- Although it was the world's first commercial power plant, the inauguration lacked extensive media coverage.
- The plant became profitable after initial losses.
- The system increased demand for electricity, marking a key turning point.
- Direct current (DC) was inefficient for long-distance transmission, making it costly compared to alternating current (AC).
- AC technology became dominant within a few years.
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Description
Explore the history and significance of Edison's Pearl Street Power Plant, the world's first commercial power plant established in 1882. Learn about its components, initial customer base, and the transformation it brought to electricity distribution in New York City. This quiz delves into the technological advancements and challenges of the time.
