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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 10, "An Error of Judgment," to what does Nikola Tesla expose his head frequently?

2. Who helps to found the Tesla Society around 1956?

3. For what type of transmission is Nikola Tesla's research a precursor in around 1895?

4. What is the name of the lamp that Nikola Tesla invents?

5. What science is always at the forefront of Nikola Tesla's work?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 10, "An Error in Judgment," describe three reasons why Nikola is almost destitute financially.

2. What are the six fundamental principles of modern radio, and where does Nikola Tesla demonstrate them in 1893?

3. Nikola produces the first x-ray picture in America. Why does he not commercialize this discovery?

4. In Chapter 1, "Modern Prometheus," what is the result of Nikola Tesla's fireball demonstration for Mark Twain and several other contemporaries?

5. In Chapter 3, "Immigrants of Distinction," why is Nikola Tesla's invention of alternating current so important to the world?

6. In Chapter 4, "At the Court of Mr. Edison," describe the personality differences between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

7. In Chapter 9, "High Road, Low Road," Nikola Tesla focuses on the use of alternating current for electricity generation, while his competitor Thomas Edison refuses to endorse anything but direct current. How is the electricity generation business divided in the mid-1890s in Buffalo?

8. What potential modern applications does author Margaret Cheney describe for Nikola Tesla's invention of a peculiar and sensitive vacuum tube?

9. What invention does Nikola claim to be useful to send signals to Mars, and why is this possible?

10. In Chapter 5, "The War of the Currents Begins," describe several events that demonstrate that Nikola Tesla's notoriety is growing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 7, "Radio," Nikola Tesla encounters many obstacles that prevent him from focusing on his research with radio.

Part 1) Briefly describe his main distractions and identify which distractions present the greatest obstacles to his success.

Part 2) Why does the author state that it is impossible for Nikola to accept Sir William Crook's advice to focus on one single area of research?

Essay Topic 2

During his life, Nikola makes many claims regarding the invention of devices designed to protect America during wartime. After his death in 1943, several people attempt to find his research papers, fearing that they may have fallen into the hands of other countries. Based on what you learned about Nikola Tesla in this book, do you think he actually completed any of these projects? Do you believe that he may have provided this information to any other countries, especially given the reluctance of the U.S. government to further them? State and justify your position with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Nikola's expresses two goals for his move to Colorado Springs -- to beat Marconi with a wireless system, and to transmit energy plentifully and cheaply around the Earth. There is no documented information to support research for either of these goals. Although Nikola is satisfied himself that he can make lightning dance and has received messages from outside the earth's atmosphere, he has failed in his attempt to reach both of his stated goals. Explain the reasons for the failure and his eventual departure from Colorado Springs. What, if anything has he learned that may help him do things differently back in New York?

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