In the history of communication technology, the practical telegraphic code used to send coded messages over the electric telegraph was introduced by which inventor?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Samuel Morse

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Telegraphic communication was one of the first great technological revolutions in long-distance communication. Before the telephone, email, and instant messaging, people relied on the electric telegraph and a standardized telegraphic code to send short messages over wires. This question tests your basic general knowledge of who created the most famous and widely used telegraphic code for the electric telegraph, which became a global standard for many decades.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question refers to a practical telegraphic code used with the electric telegraph.
  • It is asking about the inventor who introduced this widely used code.
  • We assume the context is 19th century communication technology.
  • The key concept is the development of Morse code for telegraphy.


Concept / Approach:
The most famous telegraphic code is Morse code, which represents letters, numbers, and punctuation using sequences of short and long signals, often called dots and dashes. This code was developed in connection with the electric telegraph system. The name of the code itself is a strong hint about its inventor. By recalling who developed Morse code and promoted the electric telegraph, we can identify the correct answer among the options given in the question.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recognize that the phrase "telegraphic code" in general knowledge questions usually refers to Morse code. Step 2: Recall that Morse code was developed in the 1830s and 1840s in the United States as part of the electric telegraph system. Step 3: Connect the name of the code (Morse code) with its inventor, Samuel Morse. Step 4: Check each option and identify "Samuel Morse" as the inventor associated directly with telegraphic code. Step 5: Conclude that Samuel Morse is the correct choice because he created and popularized this practical code.


Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative way to verify the answer is to recall school-level general knowledge: students often learn that Samuel Morse invented both the electric telegraph system and the Morse code that goes with it. History of science and communication technology sources consistently attribute the telegraphic code used worldwide in the 19th century to him. None of the other scientists listed are primarily associated with a coding system for telegraph messages, which confirms that selecting Samuel Morse is accurate.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alexander Graham Bell is famous for inventing the telephone, not for creating a telegraphic code. Guglielmo Marconi is known for pioneering wireless telegraphy and radio communication, not the original wired telegraphic code. Michael Faraday made major contributions to electromagnetism and electrochemistry, but he did not design Morse code or a comparable telegraphic coding system.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse different communication inventors and assume that any famous name in communication technology might have created the telegraph code. Another error is to think Marconi or Bell must be the answer because of their work in telephones or radio. Remember that the clue is in the name "Morse code." This directly points to Samuel Morse, and recognizing this simple association can help you avoid mixing up inventors and their specific achievements.


Final Answer:
The practical telegraphic code for electric telegraph messages was introduced by Samuel Morse.

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