Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Samuel Morse
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Before telephones and modern digital communication, long distance messages were sent using the electric telegraph. Operators transmitted patterns of short and long signals that represented letters and numbers. This system relied on a special telegraphic code that became known worldwide as Morse code. This question tests whether you know the inventor who introduced Morse code for use with telegraph systems.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Samuel Morse, an American inventor and painter, co developed the electric telegraph and introduced Morse code, a system of dots and dashes representing letters, digits and punctuation. This code allowed messages to be sent efficiently along telegraph wires and was later adapted for radio communication as well. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, Marconi is known for wireless telegraphy and radio, and Edison made many electrical inventions but did not create Morse code. Therefore, Samuel Morse is the correct answer for the introduction of telegraphic code.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that telegraphic code and Morse code refer to the same system of dots and dashes for communication.Step 2: Recall that this code is named after Samuel Morse, who developed it for use with the electric telegraph.Step 3: Look at the choices and find Samuel Morse listed as option A.Step 4: Recognise that Alexander Graham Bell contributions relate to voice transmission, not telegraphic code design.Step 5: Select Samuel Morse as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Communication history books consistently credit Samuel Morse and his collaborators with the development of the electric telegraph and Morse code. The very name of the code reinforces this association. While Marconi and Bell expanded on communication by introducing radio and telephone respectively, they did not design the original telegraphic code. This uniform agreement among sources confirms that Morse is the correct inventor to remember for exam purposes.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, which carries voice rather than coded pulses. Guglielmo Marconi advanced wireless telegraphy and radio, often using existing codes like Morse rather than creating new ones. Thomas Edison made significant contributions to electrical devices, recording technology and lighting, but did not invent Morse code. As a result, options B, C and D do not match the specific contribution asked about in this question.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates might confuse Marconi wireless telegraphy achievements with the invention of the telegraph code itself and choose his name by mistake. Others may broadly link all communication inventions to Bell. To avoid such errors, remember the mapping: Morse for telegraphic code, Bell for telephone and Marconi for radio. This simple pattern helps you answer many communication related GK questions more accurately.
Final Answer:
Telegraphic code, known as Morse code, was introduced by Samuel Morse.
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