Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison had fundamentally different opinions and approaches regarding electrical power transmission, primarily centered around their preferences for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
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Support for AC vs. DC:
- Tesla believed that alternating current (AC) was the key to efficient electrical transmission. He understood that AC could be transmitted over long distances more efficiently than DC, and he developed technology and systems that showcased these advantages, including the AC motor and transformer.
- Edison, on the other hand, was initially a strong proponent of direct current (DC). He believed that DC was safer and simpler to use, particularly for the power systems he had developed. He was heavily invested in DC technology and actively promoted it during his time.
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Safety Concerns:
- Contrary to what was stated in the options provided, Tesla actually argued strongly in favor of AC and did not oppose it on the grounds of safety. Instead, it was Edison who highlighted the dangers of AC during the so-called "War of Currents," promoting DC as a safer alternative and downplaying the efficacy of AC.
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Collaboration and Rivalry:
- While Tesla and Edison did work together for a time (with Tesla initially working for Edison), they had a significant falling out regarding the best technologies for electrical power. The dichotomy between their approaches led to a rivalry rather than a collaboration concerning AC and DC.
In summary, Tesla was a proponent of alternating current and believed it to be superior for power transmission, while Edison defended direct current, seeing it as safer and more practical. The technological advancements and eventual widespread adoption of AC for electrical grids ultimately proved Tesla's ideas correct.