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20th-century British inventions

Study note

The 20th century saw a remarkable number of British inventions and discoveries. John Logie Baird was a pioneer of the television, helping to develop the technology that brought moving pictures into people's homes. Sir Frank Whittle, an engineer in the RAF, invented the jet engine, which transformed air travel. Sir Tim Berners-Lee later invented the World Wide Web, which changed how people around the world share information.

British scientists also helped to make one of the greatest discoveries in biology. The structure of DNA, the material that carries genetic information, was discovered in 1953, with British scientists playing a leading part. So remember the pairings: Baird with the television, Whittle with the jet engine, and Berners-Lee with the World Wide Web, while the structure of DNA was worked out in the 1950s.

Memory tip: Baird-TV, Whittle-jet engine, Berners-Lee-the web; DNA structure discovered in 1953.

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Question 1 of 3

Who is credited with the invention of the jet engine?

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Show all questions and answers for 20th-century British inventions(3 questions with explanations)

20th-century British inventions: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who is credited with the invention of the jet engine?

    • Tim Berners-Lee
    • Isambard Kingdom Brunel
    • John Logie Baird
    • Sir Frank Whittle

    Correct answer: Sir Frank Whittle

    Sir Frank Whittle, an RAF engineer, invented the jet engine.

  2. 2. John Logie Baird is associated with the invention of what?

    • The radio telescope
    • The television
    • The hovercraft
    • The telephone

    Correct answer: The television

    John Logie Baird was a pioneer of the television.

  3. 3. The structure of DNA was discovered in which decade, with British scientists involved?

    • The 1950s
    • The 1750s
    • The 1990s
    • The 1850s

    Correct answer: The 1950s

    The structure of DNA was discovered in 1953, with British scientists taking part.

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