1. According to the author, why do some people choose to become scientists though they may not earn much money?
Ans.: According to the author, some people choose to be scientists because they cannot live without science. To them science is an adventure and the discovery made is the reward. Instead of money they enjoy freedom, friendship and they joy of uncovering one of the mysteries of nature.
2. Technical experts were summoned by the then Soviet Academy of sciences solve the problem. What was the problem?
Ans.: The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon test. But there was a possibility that one of the participants could secretly make an underground nuclear explosion. The problem was how the other powers could detect this violation
3. Technical experts from the super power nations met in Geneva. Why?/What was the purpose?
Ans.: The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon test. And also to discuss the problems that could arise as a result.
4. Who will be head hunted by financial institution and pharmaceutical industries? Why?
Ans.: The people trained in theoretical physics are head hunted by financial institutions; those trained in frontiers of biological research became founders and directors in the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Give a few examples which illustrate the writer’s stand that scientists are the most practical people in the world.
Ans.: All new technologies, all new brands of industry are the results of research by scientists. It is through their work that we have medicines, electronics, synthetic fibres, modes of transport and the green revolution. This proves that scientists are the most practical people.
6. “A paradox may refer to a person, a thing or a situation that has two opposite features and therefore seems strange”. In the light of this definition how is MAD a paradox?
Ans.: The agreed nations had the nuclear power signed to stop the nuclear weapons. But if any country violated the agreement and how it could be detected is the paradox.
7. Make a list of lessons that the writer learnt at the Geneva Summit.
Ans.: As a scientist, the author had people like him all over the world, who could think and interact as the author, when he is abroad, he need not feel lonely. Science gives us hope of survival and well being for the whole mankind.
8. What did Borok learn at the Geneva Summit?
Ans.: He learnt that there were people all over the world, who thought and acted the way he did. So he never felt lonely abroad. He also realized that while there was science there was hope for the survival of mankind.
9. According to the authors why do some people choose to become Scientists?
Ans.: Some people choose to be scientists because they cannot live without science. Discovery is their reward. They enjoy teamwork, independence and the joy of uncovering one of the mysteries of nature
10. Why did the super powers meet in Geneva?
Ans.: The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement, to put a ban on the nuclear weapon test. They also wanted to discuss the problems that could arise as a result.
11. How could Kelis Borok help to solve the problem?
Ans.: The scientist was doing research on the theory of seismic waves. It turned out that the problem had a direct connection with the theory of seismic waves.
12. What was the common thread that bound scientists from the opposite sides of the Iron Curtain?
Ans.: The scientists are able to work out a common language, based on respect to hard evidence, indisputable ranking by expertise only and persistent self-criticism.
13. How does basic science help one’s career?
Ans.: The knowledge of basic science give us new sources of energy, mineral deposits, efficient defence from terrorism, cure from cancer and new forms of transportation .
14. What reward do the scientists get? How are they different from lawyers, doctors and businessmen?
Ans.: The discovery itself is the reward of the scientists. The scientists get lesser money than the lawyers, doctors and businessmen. But they enjoy freedom, camaraderie and independence.
15. Which are the two factors that cause Earth tremors?
Ans.: The earth tremors are caused by two factors.
1. by the seismic waves during the earthquake
2. by the underground nuclear explosion
16. Write the subjects that come under the category of basic (fundamental) sciences.
Ans.: The subjects that come under the category of basic (fundamental) sciences are: Antibiotics, electronics, biotechnology, synthetic fibres, green revolution and genetic forensic diagnosis.
17. What was the problem that the ‘nuclear powers ‘faced?
Ans.: The nuclear powers signed the agreement to stop the test of nuclear weapons. But the problem was that if any one violates the agreement by secret underground testing, then how to detect that was not known.
18. What was the important decision taken by the politicians before the Geneva Summit? How does it help for the survival of humanity?
Ans.: The important decision taken by the politicians before the Geneva Summit was the Ban on nuclear weapon test. This would a hope for the survival of humanity as there will be no competition for developing nuclear weapons.
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