Thomas Edison

Question 1

When and where was Thomas Edison born?

Answer 1

Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio.

Question 2

How did Thomas Edison receive most of his early education?

Answer 2

He was homeschooled by his mother after attending only a few months of formal schooling.

Question 3

What was Edison’s first job?

Answer 3

Edison’s first job was selling newspapers and candy on trains.

Question 4

What significant invention made Edison famous in the field of sound recording?

Answer 4

The phonograph.

Question 5

Which invention is Edison most known for, related to indoor lighting?

Answer 5

The incandescent light bulb.

Question 6

Where did Thomas Edison set up his first major research laboratory?

Answer 6

At Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Question 7

How many patents did Edison hold during his lifetime?

Answer 7

Over 1,000 patents.

Question 8

Which system of electricity distribution did Edison advocate for?

Answer 8

Direct current (DC).

Question 9

Who were Edison’s main competitors during the War of Currents?

Answer 9

Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse.

Question 10

What was the main advantage of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC)?

Answer 10

AC was more efficient for long-distance power transmission.

Question 11

Which era of history did Edison live through that significantly influenced his work?

Answer 11

The Second Industrial Revolution.

Question 12

What was one of Edison’s contributions to the motion picture industry?

Answer 12

He helped develop motion picture technology.

Question 13

How did Edison’s work on the electric light bulb change society?

Answer 13

It made safe, reliable indoor lighting widely available and contributed to the modernization of cities.

Question 14

What major company did Edison found that still exists today?

Answer 14

General Electric.

Question 15

What is Edison’s legacy in terms of research and development?

Answer 15

He pioneered the concept of an industrial research lab, setting the standard for modern corporate R&D.

Question 16

What was Edison’s famous quote about sleep?

Answer 16

Sleep is a criminal waste of time and a heritage from our cave days.

Question 17

What was the name of Edison’s invention lab often called?

Answer 17

It was often called an ‘invention factory.’

Question 18

How did Edison’s partial deafness impact his work?

Answer 18

He claimed it helped him concentrate better without distractions.

Question 19

What unique prank did Edison play on his guests?

Answer 19

He wired chairs to give guests mild electric shocks during dinner parties.

Question 20

What challenge did Edison face during the War of Currents?

Answer 20

He faced opposition from Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, who promoted alternating current (AC).

Question 21

Which of Edison’s business practices drew criticism in the motion picture industry?

Answer 21

He was criticized for monopolistic practices.

Question 22

Name one of Edison’s inventions aside from the phonograph and light bulb.

Answer 22

The stock ticker or the alkaline storage battery.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Edison’s research lab was located in ____.

Answer 23

Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Edison held over ____ patents in his lifetime.

Answer 24

1,000

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Edison’s competitors in the War of Currents were ____ and ____.

Answer 25

Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Edison’s invention that allowed recorded sound was the ____.

Answer 26

phonograph.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Edison founded the company that later became ____.

Answer 27

General Electric.