The United States started to undergo electrification in the late \(1800 \mathrm{~s}\), with the first example of widespread electric lighting at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair by Nikola Tesla. In 1831 , Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, which uses magnets to produce electricity in a wire. Explain which is an example of science and which an example of technology.

When we think about the exciting advances in the modern world, it is essential to grasp the distinction between science and technology.
Science, on one hand, is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It's about understanding the laws of the natural world through experiments, observations, and analysis. Michael Faraday's discovery of electromagnetic induction in 1831 is a quintessential example of science. Faraday's work unveiled how electric current can be produced when a conductor is exposed to a changing magnetic field. This discovery, crucial to our understanding of electromagnetism, was not immediately applied to practical uses but instead added to the wealth of scientific knowledge at that time.
On the other hand, technology is about the application of this knowledge for practical purposes. It transforms scientific insights into tangible improvements that enhance our daily lives. The mushrooming of electric lighting systems over North America, starting with the 1893 Chicago World's Fair lit by Nikola Tesla's work, exemplifies technology. This implementation of electricity, leveraging principles such as Faraday’s electromagnetic induction, revolutionized how we light our cities and homes.

• Science is about discovery and understanding natural phenomena.
• Technology applies those discoveries for practical use and societal benefit.

Even the simplest of technologies, such as the electric light bulb, started as a spark of science before becoming a staple of our technological achievements.

The story of electrification is a captivating chapter in the history of human progress. It began as a series of scientific discoveries and transformed into a comprehensive technological movement that fundamentally altered modern society.
In the late 1800s, the United States was on the cusp of an electrification boom. This era was marked by experimentation and implementation of electrical technology. The use of electricity spread through initiatives like the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, often referred to as the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Here, Tesla's alternating current (AC) electrification awed onlookers with previously unseen lighting solutions.
The electric lighting at the fair did not just showcase a technological marvel; it signaled a shift towards the modern era. Electrification laid the groundwork for the second industrial revolution, powering factories and bolstering the growth of new industries.
The electrification of society also had far-reaching social impacts. It extended the workday, improved communication, and eventually led to the creation of a wealth of new domestic appliances that fundamentally changed everyday life. This wasn't just technological change; it was societal transformation driven by the adoption of electrical power.

Evolving Landscape of Electrification

Starting from Tesla's showcase, the spread of electricity changed the landscape of cities, introducing streetlights, trams, and eventually, a whole new urban infrastructure that was electrified.

Electric lighting systems became a turning point in technological advancement and social change. Before the advent of electric lighting, people relied on gas lamps or candles, which were not only inefficient but also posed significant fire risks.
Electric lighting brought about a safer and more efficient way to illuminate spaces. The introduction of incandescent bulbs by Thomas Edison and later on, the development of Tesla's alternating current system, laid the foundation for modern electrical lighting.
These systems allowed for a more controlled and consistent light source, changing how buildings were designed and how people conducted their daily activities. Gone were the days of closed-off spaces and limited working hours. With electric lighting, productivity soared as factories could run 24/7 and people had more freedom and flexibility.

The Impact of Electric Lighting

Advances in electric lighting systems didn't stop with the bulb. We saw the emergence of street lighting, which made nighttime navigation safer and opened the door to a vibrant nightlife. The ripple effects of electric lighting touched every corner of society, from enabling longer school days to transforming public spaces into hubs of human activity, even after sunset.
Today, electric lighting is not only about visibility but also efficiency and aesthetics, as seen in the evolution from incandescent to LED lighting, which offers a more energy-saving and environmentally friendly option.