Who developed the first thermal power station in the United States in 1882?

Who developed the first thermal power station in the United States in 1882?

• A. Thomas Edison
• B. Nikola Tesla
• C. George Westinghouse
• D. Benjamin Franklin

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the birth of centralized electricity generation. In 1882 Thomas Edison built and operated the first commercial central power plant in the United States—the Pearl Street Station in New York City. It burned coal to generate steam that ran engines connected to dynamos, producing direct-current electricity for nearby customers. This established the model of a centralized thermal power station supplying electricity, which is why Edison is the correct choice. Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse are associated with later developments in alternating current and long-distance transmission, while Benjamin Franklin was not involved in power generation in this era.

The main idea here is the birth of centralized electricity generation. In 1882 Thomas Edison built and operated the first commercial central power plant in the United States—the Pearl Street Station in New York City. It burned coal to generate steam that ran engines connected to dynamos, producing direct-current electricity for nearby customers. This established the model of a centralized thermal power station supplying electricity, which is why Edison is the correct choice. Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse are associated with later developments in alternating current and long-distance transmission, while Benjamin Franklin was not involved in power generation in this era.