15 Trivia Questions On Thomas Edison – Multiple Choice Quiz

Thomas Edison is one of the most famous inventors in history, credited with inventing the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting practical electric light bulb, among many other innovations.

His work revolutionized technology and had a profound impact on society. In this multiple choice quiz, we’ve compiled 15 trivia questions that test your knowledge of Edison’s life, inventions, and legacy. From his early years as a telegraph operator to his later work in electricity and technology, this quiz covers a range of topics related to this fascinating and influential historical figure.

So whether you’re a history buff or just looking to test your knowledge, get ready to learn more about Thomas Edison with these 15 multiple choice trivia questions.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive FREE exclusive quizzes and offers!

  1. What year was Thomas Edison born?
    • 1850
    • 1845
    • 1851
    • 1847
    The correct answer is 1847.
    Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847.
  2. In which state was Thomas Edison born?
    • New Jersey
    • Ohio
    • New York
    • Michigan
    The correct answer is Ohio.
    Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio.
  3. What was Thomas Edison’s middle name?
    • Alexander
    • Albert
    • Arthur
    • Alva
    The correct answer is Alva.
    Thomas Edison’s full name was Thomas Alva Edison.
  4. What is Thomas Edison most famous for inventing?
    • The telephone
    • The telegraph
    • The phonograph
    • The light bulb
    The correct answer is the light bulb.
    Thomas Edison is most famous for inventing the practical incandescent light bulb.
  5. How many patents were issued to Thomas Edison?
    • 872
    • 934
    • 1054
    • 1093
    The correct answer is 1093.
    Thomas Edison was issued 1093 patents during his lifetime.
  6. What was the name of Thomas Edison’s research laboratory?
    • Edison Park
    • Menlo Park
    • Inventor’s Haven
    • Electric City
    The correct answer is Menlo Park.
    Thomas Edison’s research laboratory was called Menlo Park, located in New Jersey.
  7. What was Thomas Edison’s first patented invention?
    • The kinetoscope
    • The electric vote recorder
    • The phonograph
    • The carbon microphone
    The correct answer is the electric vote recorder.
    Thomas Edison’s first patented invention was the electric vote recorder in 1869.
  8. Which of the following is NOT an invention by Thomas Edison?
    • The telephone
    • The phonograph
    • The carbon microphone
    • The kinetoscope
    The correct answer is the telephone.
    The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell, not Thomas Edison.
  9. What nickname was given to Thomas Edison?
    • The Wizard of Menlo Park
    • The Electric Genius
    • The Master of Light
    • The Father of Invention
    The correct answer is The Wizard of Menlo Park.
    Thomas Edison was nicknamed The Wizard of Menlo Park due to his numerous inventions and innovations.


  1. What company did Thomas Edison help to establish?
    • General Electric
    • Edison Electric
    • American Telephone and Telegraph
    • Westinghouse Electric
    The correct answer is General Electric.
    Thomas Edison helped to establish General Electric, which is still a major company today.
Reveal Answers 1 To 10
  1. Which inventor was Thomas Edison’s main rival?
    • Eli Whitney
    • Samuel Morse
    • Alexander Graham Bell
    • Nikola Tesla
    The correct answer is Nikola Tesla.
    Thomas Edison’s main rival was Nikola Tesla, who was a proponent of alternating current (AC) while Edison supported direct current (DC).
  2. What was the name of Thomas Edison’s wife?
    • Nancy Elliot
    • Elizabeth Adams
    • Mina Miller
    • Mary Stilwell
    The correct answer is Mina Miller.
    Thomas Edison’s wife was named Mina Miller. His first wife, Mary Stilwell, passed away in 1884.
  3. Which of the following was NOT a business venture of Thomas Edison?
    • Motion picture production
    • Phonograph production
    • Automobile manufacturing
    • Electric power generation
    The correct answer is automobile manufacturing.
    Thomas Edison was not involved in automobile manufacturing; he focused on inventions and innovations in electricity, communication, and entertainment.
  4. In what year did Thomas Edison die?
    • 1929
    • 1940
    • 1935
    • 1931
    The correct answer is 1931.
    Thomas Edison died on October 18, 1931.
  5. What was the cause of Thomas Edison’s death?
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Diabetes complications
    • Pneumonia
    The correct answer is diabetes complications.
    Thomas Edison died due to complications from diabetes.
Reveal Answers 11 To 15



Like our Facebook page for daily trivia quizzes and more!

Spotted an error in this quiz? Please let us know! errors@quizutopia.com.


Share this quiz!


More From Famous People Quizzes


More Great Trivia Quizzes