Final answer:
Television was the fastest technology to penetrate 25 percent of U.S. homes, reaching 55% market penetration by 1954, much quicker than the telephone, personal computer, or Internet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which technology was fastest in reaching 25 percent of U.S. homes. Considering the rapid development and adoption rates of various technologies throughout history, television experienced an exceptionally swift penetration into the American household market. First available in 1948, television grew rapidly in popularity in the 1950s. It was present in 55% of American homes by 1954 and increased to 90% by 1960.
Other technologies, such as the telephone, personal computer, and the Internet, also had substantial impacts on communication and society, but they did not reach a 25% market penetration as quickly as television did. Advancements like microwave relays significantly contributed to the boom of the TV industry. This example highlights the notable speed at which television became commonplace in U.S. homes, making it an extraordinary case of technological diffusion.