Final answer:
George Westinghouse developed the air-braking system in 1869 and pioneered the alternating current electrical system in 1886, leading to safer railways and broader electricity distribution. Edison's DC was challenged by Westinghouse's AC in the 'War of the Currents', with AC ultimately becoming the standard for power distribution. AC power allowed for high voltage transmission over long distances, reducing losses and enabling the spread of electric power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The air-braking system was developed by George Westinghouse in 1869, which facilitated safer and higher speed railway travel. Additionally, Westinghouse was also instrumental in promoting the adoption of alternating current (AC), as he founded an electric company that introduced AC power in 1886. The major advantage of Westinghouse's AC power invention was that it allowed for the delivery of power over greater distances, revolutionizing the accessibility and application of electric power.
The War of the Currents
The establishment and advancement of AC power led to a fierce rivalry with Thomas Edison, who was a proponent of direct current (DC). Despite Edison's public relation efforts against AC, which included branding the electric chair executions as 'being Westinghoused', AC power eventually triumphed as the primary method of electrical distribution, with even Edison's company manufacturing AC equipment by 1892.
Alternating Current's Technical Superiority
AC power carried significant technical advantages over DC, one of which being the capacity to transport electricity at high voltage over long distances with reduced losses. This efficiency in power transmission sparked the widespread use of electricity, leading to the expansion of urban centers and facilitating new developments in industry and home life.