9thGrader
Error
Chapter - 4: A Truly Beautiful Mind
I. Here are some headings for paragraphs in the text. Write the number(s) of the paragraph(s) for each title against the heading.
HeadingParagraph Number(s)
Einstein’s equation9
Descent to the Lure of Fame10
Childhood2, 3, 4
A Plan to Get Rid of the Attic7
Marriage8, 11
A Letter that Launched the Arms Race15
II. Who had these opinions about Einstein?
He was boring.

Ans: Einstein’s playmates

He was stupid and would never succeed in life.

Ans: A headmaster

He was a freak.

Ans: His mother

III. Explain what the reasons for the following are.
Einstein leaving the school in Munich for good.

Ans: Einstein left the school in Munich for good because he hated the school's strict discipline and regimentation. He often clashed with his teachers and felt suffocated by the oppressive atmosphere.

Einstein wanting to study in Switzerland rather than in Munich.

Ans: Einstein wanted to study in Switzerland rather than in Munich because he preferred the more liberal and democratic environment there. Switzerland was known for its progressive educational system, which aligned better with Einstein’s independent and free-thinking nature.

Einstein seeing in Mileva an ally.

Ans: Einstein saw in Mileva an ally because she was a fellow student who shared his interest in science and intellectual pursuits. They both had a love for learning and discussing scientific ideas, which made her a supportive and understanding partner for Einstein.

What do these tell you about Einstein?

Ans: These reasons tell us that Einstein was a non-conformist who valued freedom and creativity over rigid discipline. He sought environments that encouraged intellectual growth and critical thinking. He also valued companionship that was based on mutual respect and shared intellectual interests.

IV. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office? Why?

Ans: Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office the “bureau of theoretical physics” because he kept his scientific papers and ideas in it. Despite working as a technical expert in the patent office, he continued to work on his scientific theories in his spare time, showing his dedication to his true passion.

V. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Ans: Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt to warn him about the potential for Nazi Germany to develop an atomic bomb. He urged the United States to accelerate its own atomic research to ensure they could defend themselves against such a threat. This letter eventually led to the development of the atomic bomb in the United States.

VI. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Ans: Einstein was deeply distressed and saddened by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He regretted that his scientific discoveries had been used to create such devastating weapons. He became an advocate for peace and disarmament, using his fame to speak out against the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

VII. Why does the world remember Einstein as a “world citizen”?

Ans: The world remembers Einstein as a “world citizen” because of his contributions to science and his commitment to global peace and justice. Despite his scientific achievements, he used his influence to advocate for human rights, disarmament, and international cooperation. His efforts to promote peace and his humanitarian ideals transcended national boundaries, making him a figure of global significance.

VIII. Here are some facts from Einstein’s life. Arrange them in chronological order.
i) Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.ii) He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.iii) Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and warn against Germany’s building of an atomic bomb.iv) Einstein attends a high school in Munich.v) Einstein’s family moves to Milan.vi) Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.vii) Einstein joins a university in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.viii) Einstein dies.

Answers:

vi) Einstein is born in the German city of Ulm.

iv) Einstein attends a high school in Munich.

v) Einstein’s family moves to Milan.

vii) Einstein joins a university in Zurich, where he meets Mileva.

i) Einstein publishes his special theory of relativity.

ii) He is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

iii) Einstein writes a letter to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and warns against Germany’s building of an atomic bomb.

viii) Einstein dies.