- 1. In 'Isaac Newton', James Gleick offers a captivating and deeply insightful exploration of one of history's most influential figures, revealing not only the scientific genius of Newton but also the complexities of his character and the tumultuous times in which he lived. Gleick meticulously chronicles Newton's groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and physics, including his formulation of the laws of motion and universal gravitation, while also delving into his lesser-known pursuits, such as alchemy and biblical interpretation. The narrative is enriched by Gleick's ability to connect Newton's personal struggles and intellectual triumphs to the broader context of 17th-century Europe, a period marked by scientific revolution and philosophical upheaval. The author paints a vivid picture of Newton's solitary nature, his relentless quest for knowledge, and the profound impact of his discoveries on the trajectory of modern science. Through nuanced storytelling and accessible language, Gleick not only honors Newton's legacy as a pioneer of the scientific method but also humanizes him, inviting readers to appreciate the intricacies of his mind and the profound significance of his work that continues to resonate today.
What is James Gleick's book 'Isaac Newton' primarily about?
A) The life and contributions of Isaac Newton
B) The scientific method from Aristotle to today
C) The history of mathematics in the Renaissance
D) The philosophical ideas of René Descartes
- 2. What field did Isaac Newton fundamentally change with his work?
A) Psychology
B) Sociology
C) Physics
D) Chemistry
- 3. Which famous law is Isaac Newton known for developing?
A) The law of conservation of energy
B) The law of universal gravitation
C) The law of thermodynamics
D) The law of supply and demand
- 4. What major work did Newton publish in 1687?
A) Opticks
B) Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica
C) Principles of Mathematics
D) The Arithmetic
- 5. What is one of Newton's major contributions to mathematics?
A) Geometry
B) Statistics
C) Algebra
D) Calculus
- 6. In what century did Isaac Newton live?
A) 17th century
B) 16th century
C) 19th century
D) 18th century
- 7. How did Newton view his contemporaries in science?
A) As redundant
B) With a sense of superiority
C) As strong allies
D) With extreme respect
- 8. Which institution did Newton become a professor at?
A) University of Cambridge
B) Oxford University
C) Yale University
D) Harvard University
- 9. What was one of Newton's famous quotes regarding knowledge?
A) The only thing I know is that I know nothing
B) To err is human
C) Knowledge is power
D) If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants
- 10. In which scientific field did Newton lay groundwork by investigating light?
A) Astrophysics
B) Chemistry
C) Optics
D) Acoustics
- 11. What was Newton's approach to his scientific work?
A) Artistic and abstract
B) Empirical and mathematical
C) Philosophical and theoretical
D) Experimental and intuitive
- 12. Which of the following did Newton's work on gravitation help explain?
A) The behavior of gases
B) The properties of metals
C) The motion of the planets
D) The structure of cells
- 13. What did Newton achieve with the invention of the reflecting telescope?
A) Improved astronomical observations
B) Invented a new type of lens
C) Discovered new planets
D) Created a new form of light
- 14. Newton's work was foundational for which future scientific discipline?
A) Sociology
B) Psychology
C) Classical mechanics
D) Biochemistry
- 15. Gleick's writing style in 'Isaac Newton' can be characterized as?
A) Dry and academic
B) Simplistic and juvenile
C) Engaging and accessible
D) Overly complex and dense
- 16. What discovery is associated with Newton's studies on prisms?
A) The nature of sound
B) The concept of time
C) The spectrum of light
D) The theory of relativity
- 17. What did Newton think about the existence of God?
A) He believed in a divine creator behind the universe
B) He was indifferent to the question of God
C) He was an atheist
D) He followed a strictly scientific worldview
- 18. In which field did Isaac Newton make significant contributions?
A) Biology
B) Mathematics
C) Architecture
D) Chemistry
- 19. Newton was known for which of the following works?
A) Astronomy Explained
B) Philosophy of Science
C) Theory of Everything
D) Opticks
- 20. Which celestial model did Newton support?
A) Tychonic model
B) Fixed stars model
C) Geocentric model
D) Heliocentric model
- 21. Newton died in which year?
A) 1730
B) 1745
C) 1715
D) 1727
- 22. What was one of Newton's interests outside of physics?
A) Astronomy
B) Alchemy
C) Literature
D) Psychology
- 23. In what year was Newton's 'Principia' published?
A) 1714
B) 1705
C) 1687
D) 1666
- 24. Which fruit is apocryphally said to have inspired Newton's theory of gravity?
A) Orange
B) Pear
C) Apple
D) Banana
- 25. Newton was a key figure in which scientific revolution?
A) The Industrial Revolution
B) The Digital Revolution
C) The Agricultural Revolution
D) The Scientific Revolution
- 26. What type of lens did Newton invent?
A) Periscope
B) Reflecting telescope
C) Refracting telescope
D) Compound microscope
- 27. Newton served as Warden and Master of which institution?
A) The Bank of England
B) The Royal Mint
C) The Royal Society
D) The British Museum
- 28. Newton was part of which scientific society?
A) The Royal Society
B) The American Philosophical Society
C) The National Academy of Sciences
D) The Institute of Physics
- 29. In which year was Isaac Newton born?
A) 1635
B) 1643
C) 1652
D) 1661
- 30. Newton's law of universal gravitation states that:
A) Particles can only attract those of equal mass.
B) Every particle attracts every other particle.
C) Mass cannot attract mass.
D) Gravity is only a force on Earth.
- 31. Newton had a famous rivalry with which other scientist?
A) Albert Einstein
B) Niels Bohr
C) Robert Hooke
D) Galileo Galilei
- 32. In what year did Newton publish 'Opticks'?
A) 1704
B) 1690
C) 1725
D) 1710
- 33. What emotion did Newton reportedly feel towards hooke?
A) Indifference
B) Admiration
C) Resentment
D) Love
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