Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following changes was a major effect of Thomas Edisons invention of the lightbulb?

Rationale

Employees were able to work longer hours.

The invention of the lightbulb by Thomas Edison significantly extended the hours during which work could be performed, particularly in factories and industrial settings. This advancement allowed businesses to operate beyond daylight hours, thereby increasing productivity and the potential for profit.

A (Fewer workers migrated to urban areas) YOUR ANSWER

Edison's lightbulb actually contributed to urban migration as factories sought workers who could now work longer hours. The availability of electric light made urban environments more attractive for employment opportunities, encouraging more individuals to relocate to cities for jobs.

B (Employees were able to work longer hours) CORRECT

With the advent of electric lighting, industries could operate after sunset, leading to extended working hours. This shift not only increased production capabilities but also allowed businesses to maximize their output and profits during previously unusable nighttime hours.

C (Industrial dependence on steel manufacturing declined) YOUR ANSWER

The lightbulb's invention had little effect on the dependence on steel manufacturing. In fact, the growth of the electrical industry likely increased the demand for steel in infrastructure and electrical components, rather than diminishing its importance in industrial applications.

D (Transportation of goods became less expensive) YOUR ANSWER

While the lightbulb revolutionized working conditions, it did not directly impact the cost of transportation. The transportation of goods was influenced more by advancements in railways and shipping technologies than by the introduction of electric lighting in factories.

Conclusion

Edison's invention of the lightbulb transformed work environments by enabling longer operational hours, enhancing productivity, and fostering industrial growth. While it influenced many aspects of society, the primary change was the ability for employees to work longer hours, fundamentally altering the nature of labor in the industrial age. Other options relate to different societal changes that were not directly linked to the impact of electric lighting.

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