Thomas Edison Interesting Life Facts! Trivia Quiz

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  • 1/13 Questions

    In tribute to Thomas Edison, electric lights in the United States were dimmed for one minute on October 21, 1931, a few days after his death.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Explore the fascinating life and inventions of Thomas Edison in this trivia quiz. Assess your knowledge on his major inventions, personal life, and unique insights into success, capturing the essence of his historical impact.

Thomas Edison Interesting Life Facts! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Edison invented the first incandescent light bulb in what year?

    • 1929

    • 1879

    • 1847

    • 1913

    Correct Answer
    A. 1879
    Explanation
    Thomas Edison invented the first incandescent light bulb in 1879. This invention revolutionized the way we illuminate our surroundings and had a significant impact on various industries. The invention of the light bulb paved the way for the modern lighting systems we use today.

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  • 3. 

    Edison't first major occupation was that of a(n) 

    • Janitor

    • Electrician

    • Telegraph operator

    • Train operator

    • Inventor

    Correct Answer
    A. Telegraph operator
    Explanation
    Edison's first major occupation was that of a telegraph operator. This is because before becoming an inventor, Edison worked as a telegraph operator, where he gained valuable knowledge and experience with electrical systems. This early career allowed him to understand and experiment with electricity, which eventually led to his groundbreaking inventions and contributions to the field of technology.

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  • 4. 

    According to Edison success is 

    • 1% Inspiration and 99% Perspiration

    • 1% Perspiration 99% Inspiration

    • 1% Hard Work 99% Luck

    • 1% Luck and 99% Hard Work

    Correct Answer
    A. 1% Inspiration and 99% Perspiration
    Explanation
    This answer reflects Edison's belief that success is primarily achieved through hard work and effort (perspiration), with only a small portion being attributed to inspiration or ideas. Edison believed that ideas alone were not enough to achieve success, but rather the execution and dedication to bring those ideas to fruition through hard work and perseverance were essential.

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  • 5. 

    What was Edison's nickname? 

    • The Wizard of Light

    • The Wizard of Oz

    • The Wizard of Menlo Park

    • The Wizard of Invention

    Correct Answer
    A. The Wizard of Menlo Park
    Explanation
    Edison's nickname was "The Wizard of Menlo Park" because Menlo Park was the location of his famous laboratory where he conducted numerous experiments and inventions. This nickname highlights his innovative and groundbreaking work in the field of invention and technology.

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  • 6. 

    Which city was the first to be lit up at night with electric lights?

    • Boston

    • Baltimore

    • Chicago

    • New York

    Correct Answer
    A. New York
    Explanation
    New York is the correct answer because it was the first city to be lit up at night with electric lights. In 1882, Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station in New York City became the first central power plant in the world, providing electricity to light up the streets and buildings. This marked a significant milestone in the history of urban lighting and set the precedent for cities around the world to adopt electric lights for nighttime illumination.

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  • 7. 

    According to Thomas Edison, the most valuable item is:

    • Gold

    • Friends

    • An Education

    • Time

    • Light Bulb

    Correct Answer
    A. An Education
    Explanation
    Thomas Edison believed that an education is the most valuable item. This is because education provides knowledge and skills that can empower individuals to succeed in various aspects of life. It opens doors to opportunities, enhances critical thinking, and helps in personal and professional growth. Edison himself valued education, as he was a self-taught individual who constantly sought to learn and innovate. He believed that education is the foundation for progress and the key to unlocking one's potential.

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  • 8. 

    How did Edison propose to his wife?

    • By using a flashlight

    • The first day they met

    • By tapping morse code on a pipe

    • Telegram

    Correct Answer
    A. By tapping morse code on a pipe
    Explanation
    How romantic!

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  • 9. 

    About how many different filaments did Thomas Edison try before successfully inventing the light bulb?

    • 50

    • 300

    • 1000

    • 10,000

    Correct Answer
    A. 1000
    Explanation
    Thomas Edison tried approximately 1000 different filaments before successfully inventing the light bulb. This indicates that he went through an extensive trial and error process, experimenting with various materials to find the most suitable filament for the bulb. Edison's perseverance and dedication to finding the right solution ultimately led to the successful invention of the light bulb.

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  • 10. 

    Edison found that most of the filament materials used in the light bulb would burn up within a few seconds after turning on the electric current.  How did he solve this problem?

    • He used a lower voltage and current.

    • He used a noncombustible material for the filament.

    • He added oxygen to the lightbulb.

    • He created a vacuum in the lightbulb.

    Correct Answer
    A. He created a vacuum in the lightbulb.
    Explanation
    Edison solved the problem of filament materials burning up by creating a vacuum in the lightbulb. By removing the air from the bulb, he eliminated the presence of oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. Without oxygen, the filament materials could no longer burn and were able to last longer when the electric current was turned on.

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  • 11. 

    Edison nearly lost his Menlo Laboratory because of numerous unpaid bills. What invention kept him from going bankrupt?

    • The invention of the paper clip

    • The invention of the electric light bulb

    • The "Talking Machine" an early phonograph

    • The "Dynamo" an electric generator

    Correct Answer
    A. The "Talking Machine" an early phonograph
    Explanation
    Edison nearly lost his Menlo Laboratory because of numerous unpaid bills. The invention of the "Talking Machine" or early phonograph saved him from going bankrupt. This invention was a significant breakthrough in the field of sound recording and reproduction, which brought Edison financial success and helped him overcome his financial difficulties.

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  • 12. 

    Edison sold his first practical invention, the global stock ticker, for $40,000.  How much was he originally willing to sell it for?

    • $60,000

    • $5000

    • $2000

    • $500

    Correct Answer
    A. $500
    Explanation
    This question is not being graded.

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  • 13. 

    Mr. Taggart was opposed to Edison inventing the electric light because it would lower his stock investment in

    • Candle wax

    • Natural gas

    • Lantern oil

    • Cole mines

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural gas
    Explanation
    Mr. Taggart was opposed to Edison inventing the electric light because it would lower his stock investment in natural gas. This is because the electric light would provide a cheaper and more efficient alternative to natural gas for lighting purposes. As a result, the demand for natural gas would decrease, leading to a decrease in its value and Mr. Taggart's stock investment in it.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 08, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Marshallje
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