Tesla Quiz

What is a Tesla coil? Answer: A high-frequency air-core transformer. In 1892, Nicola Tesla used a form of induction coil, consisting of two magnetically coupled coils wound on an air core—a transformer—and now known as a Tesla coil, to obtain currents of very high frequencies and high voltages. The primary winding is made of a few turns of heavy wire, while the secondary consists of fine wire with a very large number of turns. By circulating a high-frequency current in the primary, very high voltage is induced in the secondary. The Tesla coil is used in radio and television receivers as well as for producing high discharge voltages.

How much do you know about Tesla? Test yourself. 1. What does the tesla (T) unit measure — electric charge; capacitance; magnetic flux density; or electric resistance? 2. In 1895, Nikola Tesla designed the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls. Name the three waterfalls that collectively comprise "Niagara Falls". 3. Nikola Tesla was born in 1856 in the small village of Smiljan in Croatia. Name the capital of Croatia. 4. During an extended illness, Nikola Tesla became acquainted with the works of a noted American author and said: "One day I was handed a few volumes of new literature unlike anything I had ever read before and so captivating as to make me utterly forget my hopeless state." Name this author, who indeed later became a good friend of Telsa. 5. Nikola Tesla demonstrated the use of "remote control" by employing radio waves to control a device. What was this device: a spinning ballerina; a robot-boat; a model train; or a cuckoo clock? 6. Nikola is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos. What does it mean? 7. Nikola Tesla joined forces with George Westinghouse to demonstrate the superiority of alternating current (AC) over direct current (DC) for electric power distribution. Who was the main supporter of the DC system? 8. In the 2006 film The Prestige, based on the award-winning novel by Christopher Priest, the character of Nikola Tesla comes to the aid of a Victorian-era stage magician. Who plays Tesla in this film? 9. Name the medical diagnostic technique that creates images of the human body via the use of technologies invented by Nikola Tesla. 10. True or false: Nikola Tesla is featured on the 100-dinar banknote issued by the Republic of Serbia. View the answers Back