Great Inventions of 20th Century Quiz

Sony is the correct answer because they were the company that invented the walkman. The walkman was a portable cassette player that revolutionized the way people listened to music on the go. Sony introduced the first walkman in 1979, allowing individuals to carry their favorite music with them wherever they went. This invention paved the way for the development of portable music players and ultimately led to the creation of modern-day devices like iPods and smartphones.

Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web. He developed the concept and the first web browser in 1989 while working at CERN, a European research organization. Berners-Lee's invention revolutionized the way information is shared and accessed, allowing for the creation of websites and hyperlinks. His contribution laid the foundation for the modern internet and has had a profound impact on communication, commerce, and the dissemination of knowledge worldwide.

Douglas Engelbart is credited with inventing the computer mouse. He developed the first prototype of the mouse in the 1960s while working at the Stanford Research Institute. Engelbart's invention revolutionized computer interaction by providing a more intuitive way to navigate and manipulate graphical user interfaces. His mouse design featured a wooden shell with two perpendicular wheels that could track movement on a surface. This invention laid the foundation for the modern mouse that we use today.

Martin Cooper is called the father of cell phones because he is credited with inventing the first handheld mobile phone. In 1973, while working at Motorola, Cooper made the first public call from a mobile phone, demonstrating the feasibility of portable wireless communication. His invention revolutionized the telecommunications industry and paved the way for the development of modern cell phones.

John Larson is credited with inventing the modern lie detector. He developed the first polygraph machine in the early 20th century. The machine measured physiological responses such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate, which were believed to indicate whether a person was lying or telling the truth. Larson's invention laid the foundation for the use of polygraph tests in criminal investigations and other fields where deception detection is important.

Igor Sikorsky is credited with successfully developing the helicopter. He was a Russian-American aviation pioneer and engineer who designed and built the first practical helicopter in the early 20th century. His innovative designs and contributions to the field of aviation revolutionized vertical flight and paved the way for modern helicopters as we know them today.

Willis Carrier is credited with designing the modern air conditioning system. In 1902, he invented the first electrical air conditioning unit, which controlled temperature, humidity, and ventilation. This invention revolutionized the comfort and productivity of indoor spaces, leading to the widespread adoption of air conditioning in homes, offices, and public buildings. Carrier's design laid the foundation for modern air conditioning technology, making him a pioneer in the field.

Walter E. Diemer is credited with inventing bubble gum in 1928. He was an accountant at the Fleer Chewing Gum Company and accidentally stumbled upon the recipe while experimenting with gum formulas. Diemer's creation became the first successful bubble gum, as it had a stretchy texture and the ability to blow bubbles. His invention revolutionized the chewing gum industry and made bubble gum a popular treat worldwide.

Nick Holonyak is credited with inventing the LED (Light Emitting Diode). He developed the first practical visible-spectrum LED in 1962 while working at General Electric. Holonyak's invention revolutionized the lighting industry and paved the way for numerous applications, including electronic displays, indicator lights, and energy-efficient lighting solutions. His contribution to the field of optoelectronics has had a significant impact on technology and continues to be widely used today.

Bette Nesmith Graham is credited with inventing liquid paper. She was a secretary who wanted to find a way to correct typing errors without having to retype the entire document. She came up with the idea of using a white, paint-like substance that could be applied to the paper to cover up mistakes. This invention eventually became known as liquid paper and revolutionized the way mistakes were corrected in typewritten documents.