The Revolution Continues Trivia Quiz

Answer: Steel

In the Bessemer process, impurities would be removed from molten pig iron by using air blasts. that were blown through the bottom openings of the Bessemer converter (as seen in the picture). The air would blow carbon and other impurities from the iron, creating steel.

While the process was named for Sir Henry Bessemer, there were several scientists who contributed to the success of the invention. In fact, American William Kelly came up with the same idea independently and concurrently. Kelly, however, did not have the funds to develop the idea commercially while Bessemer did.

While better methods of making steel were eventually discovered, there is no doubt that the Bessemer process for making steel revolutionized other industries as well.

Answer: Michael Faraday

A self-educated man, Faraday was apprenticed at the age of fourteen to a book-binder and seller. During his seven years of service, while reading the books, he became interested in electricity. He is credited with the invention of electromagnetic rotary devices, which formed the foundation of the electric motor industry and led to the use of electricity in technology. An early form of the Bunsen burner is also credited to him.

Answer: Davy Lamp

Invented in 1815 by Sir Humphrey Davy, the Davy lamp was created for use in coal mining, where the open flame in a lantern coupled with the presence of different gases, such as methane, could create a very dangerous situation. The lamp had a wick, but the flame was enclosed in a mesh screen.

In addition, the flame on the lamp could also serve as an indicator that dangerous gases were present; in the presence of a flammable gas the flame would burn a brighter blue. It could also be used to detect gases, like carbon dioxide, that were heavy and stayed closer to the ground.

Answer: Father of Railways

Although some might agree that Stephenson built on the ideas of other inventors, and did not deserve to be called the "Father of Railways", there is no doubt concerning the importance of his involvement in the industry. While Robert Trevithick is credited with inventing the first steam locomotive, Stephenson improved the engine to give it more pulling power, and his "Blucher" is considered to be the first fully effective steam railway locomotive.

It could pull eight wagons loaded with thirty tons of coal at a speed of four miles per hour.

In addition, his rail gauge, sometimes called the "Stephenson gauge" is the standard gauge for railways in much of the world.

Answer: It allowed the cement to harden under water.

The use of hydraulic lime as an additive to concrete was first used by Nabataea traders, who lived in in of Syria and Jordan, to construct cisterns in desert regions. Roman builders, however, used this type of concrete on a much grander scale for their bridges, drains, baths and aqueducts. During the Middle Ages the recipe for concrete was lost, and it wasn't until 1793 that John Smeaton discovered a better way to make cement.

He used the technique to rebuild the Eddystone Lighthouse in Devon, England. Over one hundred years later, the lighthouse was dismantled due to rock erosion under the structure's foundation. Reconstructed at Plymouth Hoe, the structure is now called Smeaton's Tower.

Answer: Fourdrinier Machine

Before the invention of the Fourdrinier machine by Sealy and Henry Fourdrinier, paper was made a sheet at a time in a very expensive, laborious process. The new invention, which made paper from wood shavings rather than linen, hemp, or cotton, paved the way eventually for cheaper paper, schoolbooks, and newspapers.

In addition, the invention of the fountain pen and mass produced pencils contributed to the growth of literacy.

Answer: Macadam

Named for John Loudon McAdam, the system simplified the process introduced by Thomas Telford, which basically consisted of using layers of paving stones. McAdam found that layers of the rock were unnecessary; he believed that native soil would work as well as long as it was covered by a "road crust", which consisted of smaller stones held together with a binder, that would protect the soil from water and use.

Answer: Paraffin Oil

When it congealed at low temperatures "paraffin oil" began to look like paraffin wax. It was used for naphtha, flammable liquid mixtures, and lubricating oils. As more information was learned about Chinese oil well drilling, and discoveries were made in the United States, kerosene was developed for lamps and heating. Paraffin wax was used in the manufacturing of many products, such as candles, coatings for wax paper, food canning and coating, and ink.

Answer: Pneumatic Tires

The vulcanization of rubber by Charles Goodyear in the United States, and Thomas Hancock in Britain (independently and at approximately the same time) led to the invention of pneumatic tires forty years later. First made in 1888 for his son's tricycle, John Dunlop was attempting to make Johnnie's rides on rough pavements less dangerous. Apparently Johnnie's doctor had recommended riding the tricycle for exercise, but the bumpy ride was causing headaches. Dunlop applied for a patent, thinking his invention would be most useful on cycles and other light vehicles.

Although there were many problems with gaining the patent, Dunlop is credited with "realizing rubber could withstand the wear and tear of being a tire while retaining its resilience".

Answer: Karl Benz

Calling his automobile the "Benz Patent Motorwagen", in 1888 it became the first commercially marketed automobile. While other inventors had attempted to attach a motor to a stage coach or carriage, Benz designed a vehicle that generated its own power.

It featured wire wheels, a four-stroke engine, and a coil ignition. Henry Ford wasn't too far behind his European counterpart; he built his first car in 1896, and by 1903 the Ford Motor Company was using the assembly line to mass produce his cars.