Nikola Tesla: The Greatest Inventor

Questions and Answers

What was Nikola Tesla's most significant invention while at Tesla Electric Light and Manufacturing?

Alternating current systems. (correct)

Electric light bulbs.

Direct current generators.

Coal power plants.

What was the nature of the disagreement between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison?

The safety of alternating current versus direct current. (correct)

The best way to generate electric lighting.

Whether to use coal or gas for electricity.

The method of improving motors and generators.

What was one of the main reasons electricity became a common utility in the modern world?

The development of coal mining.

The work of inventors like Nikola Tesla. (correct)

The popularity of gas lighting.

The invention of the steam engine.

How did Nikola Tesla's early prowess in math influence his academic experiences?

His teachers suspected he was cheating. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Tesla quit his job at Edison's company?

Edison did not pay him as promised. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Nikola Tesla's educational background?

He finished high school in three years but didn't complete college. Signup and view all the answers

What did Edison mean when he said, 'Tesla, you don’t understand our American humor'?

He jokingly dismissed Tesla's concerns about payment. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common energy source used by people before electricity became widespread?

Coal and gas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Background on Electricity

At the end of the 19th century, electricity was a novel technology with limited access for the public.
Coal, gas, and steam power were the primary energy sources of the time.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were pivotal in transforming electricity into a common utility.

Nikola Tesla's Early Life

Born in 1856 to a Serbian family in present-day Croatia.
Demonstrated exceptional mathematical abilities, completing high school in three years.
Did not finish college but gained practical experience as an electrician through multiple jobs.

Career Beginnings

Moved to New York City in 1884 with a recommendation letter to Thomas Edison.
Quickly gained importance at Edison’s company, using innovative thinking to solve complex electrical engineering problems.
Contrast between Tesla’s imaginative approach and Edison’s model-making methods.

Conflict with Edison

In 1885, Tesla proposed improvements to Edison’s motors and generators.
After successfully completing the task, Tesla was denied a promised $50,000 reward, with Edison claiming it was a joke.
Offered only a minimal pay raise, Tesla resigned and launched his own company.

Tesla Electric Light and Manufacturing

Founded in 1887, Tesla focused on developing an "alternating current" (AC) system for electricity.
Edison staunchly opposed AC, promoting his preferred "direct current" (DC) instead.

Legacy of Alternating Current

Despite Edison’s opposition, alternating current became the electrical standard by the early 1900s.
AC technology powers modern homes, businesses, telecommunication, and the Internet.
Tesla's contributions to electricity establishment solidify his status as one of the greatest inventors in history.

Description

Explore the life and contributions of Nikola Tesla, a key figure in the development of electricity at the end of the nineteenth century. This quiz delves into his inventions and his impact on modern technology, contrasting his legacy with that of Thomas Edison. Test your knowledge about one of history's greatest inventors!