Alfred Nobel Reading Dynamite

​The Nobel Prize

​ Alfred Nobel, the famous Swedish chemist who founded the Nobel Prize, was born into a family where research and experimentation were almost second nature. His father Immanuel, out of work and destitute, tested his theories of explorers in a laboratory set up in their house. Unfortunately, the elder Nobel remained frustrated in his efforts to apply his natural inventive spirit to establishing a prosperous endeavor.

​ Alfred Nobel worked alongside his father, and by 1850, when he was 17, Alfred had acquired most of his father's knowledge of and enthusiasm for chemistry. Although numerous other scientists had been intrigued by nitroglycerine. Alfred was the one who finally managed to turn this dangerous substance into a safe and useful explosive. He succeeded in developing dynamite commercially which laid the foundation for many of the world's leading enterprises. Aside from introducing the Nobel Ignitor in 1864 and dynamite in in 1866, Alfred claimed 355 patents including nitrocellulose and substitutes for rubber and leather. He developed clever methods for the production off synthetic silk and was involved in electrochemicals, telecommunications, and safety alarm systems as well.

​ Alfred Noble not only became a rich scientist but also became a dedicated chemist. His sense of guilt over having created a potentially deadly material led him to leave some of his millions to reward other individuals who made substantial contributions to certain areas of science. It was natural that he would include chemistry as one of those branches, especially since the end of the nineteenth century brought rapid advancements in the field.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following might be the best title for this passage?

• Alfred Nobel's 355 Patents

• The Chemical Experiments of Immanuel and Alfred Nobel.

• The Inventor of Dynamite

• The Chemical Inventions and Legacy of Alfred Nobel

Multiple Choice

According to the passage, what is true about Alfred Nobel's father, Immanuel?

• Immanuel Nobel was a successful businessman who never faced financial difficulties.
• Immanuel Nobel was a famous artist known for his paintings.
• Immanuel Nobel was a politician who served as a president of a country.
• Immanuel Nobel was an inventor and engineer who went bankrupt due to failed business ventures.

Multiple Choice

According to the passage, Alfred made important progress in developing all of the following items EXCEPT:

• safety alarm devices.

• rubber and leather.

• nitrocellulose.

• synthetic glass.

Multiple Choice

Which is true about Alfred Nobel's altruism?

• He chose to work alone.

• He contributed money to support future chemist's endeavors.

• His talents lay almost exclusively in the areas of explosives.

• He was reluctant to bequeath a large part of his wealth towards promoting research.

Multiple Choice

According to the passage the power of nitroglycerine:

• lay in its use for weapons.

• was never used for chemical enterprises.

• was created by Alfred's father.

• was created by Alfred in his father's garage.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following about Alfred Nobel can be drawn from the passage?

• He was an American politician who served as President
• He was a Russian composer famous for his symphonies
• He was a Swedish inventor, engineer, and industrialist known for inventing dynamite and establishing the Nobel Prizes.
• He was a French painter known for his landscapes

Multiple Choice

What can be INFERRED from the passage about Alfred Nobel's views regarding his invention of dynamite?

• He had many concerns about its negative effects on mankind.

• He was very satisfied with his achievements during his long career.

• His learning had been a natural outgrowth of his father's ambitions.

• It was a minor achievement in his long scientific career.

Multiple Choice

" Aside from introducing the innovative Nobel Ignitor in 1864 and dynamite in 1860, Alfred claimed 355 patents including nitrocellulose and substitutes for leather and rubber. " Which word/s word would best replace the underlined words. " Aside from?"

• In addition to

• Most notably

• Because

• For example

Multiple Choice

Which word below is a synonym for destitute?

• productive

• arrogant

• ambivalent

• poor

Match

Match the following words from the passage with their synonyms:

• substantial

• intrigued

• endeavor

• ignitor

significant

interested

plans

burn switch

• significant

• interested

• plans

• burn switch