In the late 1800s, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla both worked with electricity. The text points out that each held many patents. Each also helped shape modern power systems. Both relied on careful observation and repeated testing to improve their inventions. However, the author draws a clear contrast in their goals. Edison focused on building devices that could be sold quickly. He wanted them used safely in homes and businesses. So he organized teams and started companies to produce his designs. Tesla, in contrast, spent more time imagining bold new possibilities. One example was long-distance wireless power, even when the technology and money were not yet ready. The passage suggests these different approaches shaped their reputations. Edison became known as a practical, business-minded inventor. Tesla became known as a visionary whose ideas sometimes arrived ahead of their time.
Which distinction does the author make between Edison and Tesla?
- The author says Edison worked mostly alone, while Tesla always worked in very large teams.
- The author contrasts Edison's focus on practical, market-ready inventions with Tesla's focus on bold theoretical ideas. (correct answer)
- The author argues that Tesla mainly copied Edison's inventions and then improved on them.
- The author claims that Edison avoided testing, while Tesla relied only on trial and error.
Explanation: The passage sets up shared traits, then contrasts goals: Edison aimed at practical, sellable devices, while Tesla chased bold ideas like wireless power. Choice B names that contrast, so it is correct. Choice A reverses who worked in teams, Choice C claims Tesla copied Edison, which the text never says, and Choice D says Edison avoided testing, though the passage states both relied on testing.