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Benjamin Franklin attached a key to a kite and flew it in a lightning storm. The electricity connected to the key, and passed into a jar, where Benjamin successfully trapped lightning.
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Thomas Davenport created the first working electric motor. Earlier models had the same idea, but none of them could power a trolley.
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The electromechanical relay was invented by Joseph Henry in 1835. It was later used by Samuel Morse in the electric telegraph.
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The electronic telegraph used Morse code to send signals along wires. The first working telegraph was invented by Samuel Morse, who also invented Morse code.
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Thomas Edison invented the first incandescent light bulb. Over time, his light bulb was able to burn for longer amounts of time.
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In 1888, Charles Brush finished building a wind turbine outside of his house. His was the first home to have continuous electricity.
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In 1903, the Wright brothers were able to sustain and control airplane flight. Their invention changed the way we travel.
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In 1953, a group of scientists at Bell Labs discovered silicon solar cells. These cells can produce energy using the sun.
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In 1960, California began to use The Geysers as a source of geothermal energy.
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The Ruby Laser was invented by Theodore Maiman. It was the first working laser, and paved the way for other lasers to be invented. It is still used today as a light source for medical and cosmetic procedures.