Who invented dynamite, the powerful explosive material based on stabilised nitroglycerin that transformed construction and mining?

Introduction / Context:
Dynamite is one of the most significant inventions in the history of explosives because it made the dangerous liquid nitroglycerin safer to handle and use. This invention drastically changed the fields of mining, tunneling and construction, and it also had serious military implications. The question tests your knowledge of who invented dynamite, an important name in both science and the history of the Nobel Prizes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The invention in question is dynamite, not any other explosive or tool.
• Dynamite is based on stabilised nitroglycerin.
• You are asked to identify the correct inventor from four names.
• The options include inventors of other well known products such as jeans, microwave oven and safety devices.
• Only one option is historically associated with dynamite.

Concept / Approach:
Alfred Bernhard Nobel was a Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist who worked extensively with explosives in the nineteenth century. He developed dynamite by absorbing nitroglycerin into an inert porous substance, making it safer to transport and use. This invention earned him great wealth but also criticism for the destructive potential of explosives. Nobel later used his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes. The other names in the options do not have any link to dynamite: Levi Strauss is associated with denim jeans, Percy LeBaron Spencer with the microwave oven and Garrett Morgan with safety inventions like the traffic signal and gas mask.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is specifically about the invention of dynamite and not about general explosives.Step 2: Recall that the scientist most commonly linked with dynamite and the Nobel Prizes is Alfred Bernhard Nobel.Step 3: Compare this recollection with the answer choices and locate Nobel name in option A.Step 4: Recognise that Levi Strauss is famous for blue jeans, Percy Spencer for microwave technology and Garrett Morgan for traffic safety devices.Step 5: Select Alfred Bernhard Nobel as the only correct match for the inventor of dynamite.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your memory by connecting the idea that dynamite profits caused Nobel to reflect on his legacy, which led to the establishment of the Nobel Prizes. This story is highlighted in many textbooks and documentaries. None of the other inventors have such a dual association with both a major product and an international prize. This cross link between dynamite and Nobel Prizes strongly confirms that Alfred Bernhard Nobel is the right answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Levi Strauss was a businessman who, along with tailor Jacob Davis, is known for creating durable denim jeans for miners and workers, not for inventing explosives. Percy LeBaron Spencer discovered microwave heating while working with radar equipment and later developed the microwave oven. Garrett Augustus Morgan invented devices like an improved traffic signal and a safety hood, contributing to public safety rather than explosive technology. Therefore, none of these individuals can be credited with inventing dynamite.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to confuse different famous inventors with similar sounding names or to guess based on fame alone. Another possible error is to associate dynamite with military figures rather than chemists and engineers. To avoid confusion, connect Alfred Nobel name with three key ideas: dynamite, nitroglycerin and Nobel Prizes. This simple mental link will help you reliably answer any exam question about the inventor of dynamite.

Final Answer:
Dynamite was invented by Alfred Bernhard Nobel.