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Period: to
Energy in the U.S.
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Sir Isaac Newton's Discovery
"Sir Isaac Newton builds a generator consisting of a rotating glass sphere." The design is later improved with a metal chain intended to capture electricity by friction. -
Benjamin Franklin discovers elecrticity
Benjamin Franklin was the first to prove that lightning is a form of electricity (or energy,) discover that energy was both positive and negative, as well as discover the principle of conservation of charge (electricity can not be created or destroyed.) -
William Symington Develops "Practical Steamboat"
In 1801, William Symington, a British engineer, created a "practical steamboat" for towing barges on the Forth and Clyde Canal in Scotland. He demonstrated his boat on a run from New York City to Albany on the Hudson River in 1805. -
Ethanol Use
Samuel Morey developed an engine that ran only on ethanol and turpentine. -
The Light bulb
The light bulb forever changed the way that we as Americans use energy. We use more energy in powering lights so we can stay up later and see in the dark. Edison invented it in Menlo Park, NJ. -
The first battery
In 1800, Alessandro Volta is credited with inventing the first battery using zinc and silver as components. This battery produced a steady electric current. -
Pierre Curie Discovers Piezoelectric Effect
In 1880, Pierre Curie discovered the piezoelectric effect, which occurs when electricity is produced as a result of pressure. -
Model T
Ford Motor Company released it's first car; The model T! -
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam in Nevada was completed on this date, and it was, and still is, one of the largest sources of hydroelectricity in the world! -
The First Nuclear Power Plant
This nuclear power plant was named Shippingport Nuclear Power Plant, and was located in Pennsylvania.
