10 Important Energy Events

America's First Steam Locomotive

Jan 1, 1830

In 1830, (the precise date is unknown),coal was used as the source of energy to power the locomotive. This is a milestone invention for the United States because it transformed the American economy and provided expansion for the nation. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/tomthumb.htm

The Telegraph

May 24, 1844

Samuel Morse delivers the first message by telegraph. Morse invented the telegraph, which relayed messages by electricity. This enabled communication over great distances. http://www.survivingtheaftermath.com/index.php/necessities-skills/57-how-to-make-your-own-telegraph-machine http://www.history.com/topics/inventions/telegraph

Edison Invents the "First" Lightbulb

Oct 14, 1878

Edison files for his patent on the incandescent lightbulb. This type of bulb transforms electrical energy into light energy. This is a major step in energy because people could use illumination at night. http://www.bulbs.com/learning/history.aspx

The First Alternating Current Generator

Jan 1, 1880

Around this time, electrical energy is first generated by a mechanism that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. Alternating current powers motors that we use today. http://www.edisontechcenter.org/generators.html

First Hydroelectric Dam

Sep 30, 1882

In Appleton, Wisconson the first hydroelectric dam starts operation. This tramsforms the potential energy of dammed water into kinetic energy of moving water, which in turn is transformed into electrical energy. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/gilded/jb_gilded_hydro_1.html

Internal Combustion Engine

Jan 1, 1885

It is in this year, (exact date unknown) Daimler creates a prototype of the modern internal combustion engine. This transforms chemical energy (fuel) into mechanical energy. This is the basis of engines we use in cars. http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/internal-combustion-engine-evolution-internal-combustion-engine.html http://me-mechanicalengineering.com/internal-combustion-engines-classification/

X-Ray Machine

Jan 18, 1896

H.L. Smith introduces the first X-ray machine. This transforms electrical energy into radiation in the form of X-rays. This allows doctors to see inside the human body and advance medical science.
http://www.gefoundation.com/tag/ge-healthcare/ https://jdmitchelldesigns.wordpress.com/tag/displayed-by-hl-smith/

Radio Communication

Dec 12, 1901

Marconi successfully send the first radio tramsmission across the Atlantic Ocean. This tramsforms electrical energy into radio waves. This was a big step for long distace communication, and is the model for all wireless communication. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/marconi-sends-first-atlantic-wireless-transmission http://www.keyword-suggestions.com/Z3VnbGllbG1v/

The Atomic Bomb

Jul 16, 1945

The first successful atomic bomb blast is performed in New Mexico. This transforms matter into heat and radiation as a form of energy. The same technology is later used for the bombs dropped in Japan. minersco.com http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-first-atomic-bomb-test-is-successfully-exploded

Solar Panel Test

Oct 4, 1955

First successful trial of solar panels in Georgia.This transforms solar radiation into electrical energy. This paves the way for the creation of green energy sources. http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2010/10/solar_panels.html