In radio communication history, who invented modern frequency-modulation (FM) radio technology used for high-fidelity broadcasting?

Introduction / Context:
Radio broadcasting originally used amplitude modulation, which was very susceptible to noise and static. Frequency-modulation (FM) radio was a major advance because it provided clearer sound, especially for music. This question tests your knowledge of which engineer developed modern FM radio technology, a key part of 20th century communication history and a frequently asked topic in general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is frequency-modulation (FM) radio, not just any radio.
• The question asks who invented modern FM radio technology.
• The options include inventors from different fields.
• We assume a time frame in the early to mid-20th century.

Concept / Approach:
FM radio works by varying the frequency of the carrier wave instead of its amplitude. This greatly reduces noise and improves fidelity. The engineer who pioneered and patented wideband FM is Edwin Howard Armstrong, a brilliant American radio engineer. To answer, we match this name with the concept of FM broadcasting and distinguish him from inventors in other domains like canned food, reflective road studs, or synthetic plastics.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
You can double-check by recalling common exam lines such as "Edwin Howard Armstrong invented FM radio" or "Armstrong developed frequency-modulation to overcome the limitations of AM." Reference books on communication engineering also attribute the invention and development of FM systems to him, including the first wideband FM broadcasting station. Since none of the other options are associated with radio communication, this confirms that Armstrong is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Peter Durand is credited with developing the tin can for food preservation, not radio. Percy Shaw invented cat's eye reflectors for road safety. Leo Hendrik Baekeland invented Bakelite, a pioneering synthetic plastic. All of these are important inventions, but they do not involve radio frequency modulation, so they cannot be the correct answers for this question.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse AM and FM or mix up different radio pioneers, such as Marconi or Tesla. Another typical mistake is to choose a name that simply sounds familiar without associating it with the correct technology. To avoid this, link the letters "FM" in your mind with "Armstrong" as a memory aid, reinforcing that Edwin Howard Armstrong solved the problem of noisy AM broadcasts by inventing FM radio systems.

Final Answer:
Modern FM radio technology was invented by Edwin Howard Armstrong.