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Nature of electricity
Ben Franklin tied a key onto a kite during a storm and proved that static electricity and lightning were the same. His correct understanding of the nature of electricity paved the way for the future. -
Electric motor
Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most electrical appliances today -
Fuel cell
Sir William Robert Grove developed the first fuel cell, a device that produces electrical energy by combining hydrogen and oxygen. -
Electric telegraph
Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph, a machine that could send messages long distances across wire. -
Invention of the light bulb
After many experiments, Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that could be used for about 40 hours without burning out. By 1880 his bulbs could be used for 1200 hours. -
Light bulb
After many experiments, Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that could be used for about 40 hours without burning out. By 1880 his bulbs could be used for 1200 hours. -
Alternating current energy system
William Stanley developed the induction coil transformer and an alternating current electric system. -
Wind Turbine
In Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. scientist and businessman Charles Brush builds the first wind turbine to generate electricity. Measuring 17 meters tall and using 144 cedar rotor blades, it has a capacity of 12 kilowatts. -
Solar Power
French scientist Henry Becquerel observes the production of electricity directly from the sun while experimenting with an electrolytic cell made up of two metal electrodes placed in an electricity-conducting solution. -
Geothermal electric power plant
Italian scientist Piero Ginori Conti invents the first geothermal electric power plant.