The first true chemical battery, known as the voltaic pile, was invented by which scientist?

Introduction / Context:
Electric batteries are at the heart of modern portable electronics and energy storage. The very first true chemical battery, the voltaic pile, was created by Alessandro Volta. This question aims to ensure that you can connect the concept of a battery with Volta, whose name lives on in the unit of electric potential, the volt.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question refers to the first true chemical battery, the voltaic pile.
• Options are John Wilkinson, Alessandro Volta, James Hargreaves, and Thomas Edison.
• We assume that the learner knows the basic association between Volta and electric potential, which hints strongly at his link to batteries.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to remember that Volta stacked alternating metal discs and electrolyte soaked materials to create a steady electric current source. John Wilkinson was an ironmaster, James Hargreaves invented the spinning jenny, and Thomas Edison created many electrical devices but came long after Volta. By placing each inventor in the right historical and technological context, it becomes clear that only Volta fits the description in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the term voltaic pile, which already contains Volta's name.
Step 2: Recall that Alessandro Volta constructed a column of zinc and copper discs separated by electrolyte soaked cloth to form the first continuous source of electric current.
Step 3: Recognise that John Wilkinson worked mainly with iron production and not with electrical batteries.
Step 4: Remember that James Hargreaves invented the spinning jenny, an important textile machine.
Step 5: Note that Thomas Edison designed many later electrical devices such as the incandescent lamp but did not invent the first battery.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling that the unit of electric potential is named volt in honour of Alessandro Volta, which is a strong clue to his role in electricity. Standard physics textbooks describe his battery experiment in detail when introducing electric circuits. No such direct naming or textbook emphasis links Wilkinson, Hargreaves, or Edison to the first chemical battery. This provides strong confirmation of the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
John Wilkinson is wrong because he was involved with iron manufacturing and engineering, not electrical power sources. James Hargreaves is wrong because his work belongs to industrial textile spinning. Thomas Edison is wrong because, although famous in electrical engineering, his major contributions came later and did not include the original invention of the battery. Thus, these options do not correctly answer the question about the first true chemical battery.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners might be tempted to choose Thomas Edison because of his fame and broad connection to electricity. This is a common exam trap. To avoid it, always connect Edison to light bulbs and phonographs rather than to the first battery. Repeating the phrase Volta equals battery and volt can lock this association in your memory and ensure you pick Alessandro Volta confidently during exams.

Final Answer:
The first true chemical battery, the voltaic pile, was invented by Alessandro Volta.