Uncle Widi's science trivia quiz

The concept of gravity was discovered by which famous physicist?

• Charles Darwin

• Sir Isaac Newton

• Nikola Tesla

• Marie Curie

Answer explanation

The legend is that Newton discovered Gravity when he saw a falling apple while thinking about the forces of nature. Whatever really happened, Newton realized that some force must be acting on falling objects like apples because otherwise they would not start moving from rest.

How many colors are in the rainbow?

• Six

• Seven

• Eight

• Nine

Answer explanation

Earth is the only planet in the solar system where rainbows occur. However, some astronomers think it's possible for rainbows to occur on Titan, one of Saturn's moons.

True or False? Electrons are smaller than atoms.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the outside of the nucleus of an atom. They spin so fast that it can be difficult for scientists to observe them.

What is the name of the tallest grass on earth?

Answer explanation

Dragon bamboo is the tallest grass, with an average height of 75 to 85 feet. If grown under ideal conditions of direct sunlight and proper watering, it might even grow 100 feet tall.

What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?

Answer explanation

A natural diamond is a finite mineral created by nature consisting of a crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance and formed deep within the Earth between 1-3 billion years ago. The word “diamond” alone always means a natural diamond.

Roughly how long does it take for the sun’s light to reach Earth?

• 8 seconds

• 8 minutes

• 8 hours

• 8 days

Answer explanation

Sunlight takes about 8.3 minutes to reach Earth from the surface of the Sun. As you look outward into space, you're actually looking backwards in time.

Which freezes faster?

• Hot water

• Cold water

Answer explanation

Hot water freezes faster than cold, known as the Mpemba effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

On what continent will you not find bees?

• Asia

• Africa

• Antartica

• Europe

Answer explanation

Antarctica is the only continent that's completely devoid of any bees. Of course, with temperatures reaching as low as minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit, not many living things can survive down there. In fact, most of the insects living in Antarctica are parasites -- the kind that lives in the fur of sea animals or birds.

Chameleons change colors only to blend into their environment.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

False. Chameleons also change colors for other reasons, like to regulate body temperature, when feeling aggression, and when feeling excited.

Can lightning strike the same place twice?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

If you answered no to this science trivia question, you’re wrong. It is actually more likely that lightning will strike the same place twice.