Feynman's Questions

19.      In which two ways does paragraph 3 contribute to the development of the text?

• by telling how Feynman’s work got him noticed early on

• by establishing Feynman’s background and training in physics

• by explaining how Feynman’s professors influenced his educational decisions

• by describing accomplishments for which Feynman is most well-known

• by providing information about the universities where Feynman would later teach

20.      Which word from paragraph 4 provides context to help the reader understand the meaning of the word innovation?

• Achievement

• Developed

• Methods

• Savings

21.      Part A: Based on the text, what is one conflict Feynman faced in his career path?

• He was involved in the Manhattan Project but felt he needed to maintain a high standard for the responsible use of its findings.

• He was hesitant to leave Princeton but eager to put his knowledge into practice in an actual laboratory.

• He was keen on advancing his research by taking a research job but questioned whether teaching courses might be a better path.

• He was interested in quantum electrodynamics but wondered whether he should keep his focus on electromagnetic radiation.

22.      Part B: Which quotation supports the answer in Part A?

• While at Princeton, Feynman was recruited for the theoretical division of the Manhattan Project, the secret U.S. Army laboratory set up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, for the purpose of developing the atomic bomb.” (paragraph 3)

• “The achievement excited him at first, but he ultimately expressed concerns about the implications of the technology.” (paragraph 4)

• "Later that year, Feynman accepted a position teaching theoretical physics at Cornell University; he then joined the faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) five years later, in 1950.” (paragraph 5)

• “Feynman is best known in the scientific community for his groundbreaking research on quantum electrodynamics, the theory that describes the interaction between light and matter.” (paragraph 6)

23.      What significance of paragraphs 1 and 9 to the text?

• They emphasize important recognitions Feynman received in his lifetime.

• They communicate how the general public felt about Feynman and his work.

• They establish Feynman as not just a brilliant scientist but a family man as well.

• a.       They detail the lasting impact Feynman’s contributions had on the scientific world.

24.      Read the incomplete summary of the text.

Richard Feynman came from humble beginnings and enjoyed studying math in school. He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University, earning degrees and recognition in the scientific community. He accepted a job with the Manhattan Project to help develop the atomic bomb. Feynman lost his wife Arline soon after. ____________________. Feynman and two others won the Nobel Prize in physics. Feynman continued lecturing and researching until his death in 1988.

 

Which sentence should be added in the blank to complete the summary?

• Feynman earned his bachelor’s degree and PhD.

• Feynman had a unique personality that most people found distracting.

• Feynman began teaching at Cornell and later Caltech.

• Feynman was recruited to help investigate the Challenger explosion.

25.      Which quotation supports the idea that Feynman became a widely respected figure in the scientific community?

• “As a child, Feynman enjoyed introducing scientific concepts to his younger sister, Joan, who grew up to be a distinguished scientist in her own right.” (paragraph 2)

• "After excelling in mathematics as a student at Far Rockaway High School, Feynman earned his bachelor’s degree in 1939 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his PhD from Princeton University three years later.” (paragraph 3)

• “The general public received greater exposure to Feynman upon his appointment to the presidential commission that investigated the Challenger explosion in 1986.” (paragraph 7)

• “He offered popular undergraduate physics courses at Caltech and was well-known by the student body, often attending freshman orientation.” (paragraph 8)

26.      The following question asks about what you read in the text “Richard Feynman” and the excerpt “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker.”

 

How do the text and excerpt differ in how they present Feynman’s influence and impact?

• “Richard Feynman” details milestones Feynman reached in adulthood, while “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker” lists events from Feynman’s childhood in New York City.

• “Richard Feynman” highlights Feynman’s achievements in the arenas of teaching and lecturing, while “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker” spotlights the work Feynman did while researching and building the atomic bomb.

• “Richard Feynman” provides a traditional timeline of Feynman’s professional accomplishments, while “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker” describes professional achievements with more of a focus on Feynman’s odd habits.

• “Richard Feynman” emphasizes the importance of Feynman’s written works, while “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker” stresses the popularity of Feynman’s live presentations, courses, and interactions with students

27.      The following question asks about what you read in the text “Richard Feynman” and the excerpt “Richard Feynman: Physicist, Bongo Player, and Safecracker.”

 

With which statement would the authors of both the text and excerpt most likely agree?

• Richard Feynman’s scientific achievements after losing his wife Arline exemplify how pursuing a passion can help a person bear life’s biggest hardship.

• Richard Feynman’s unique personality and notable research in the world of theoretical physics make him an admirable figure in history.

• Richard Feynman’s collaboration with his sister Joan likely propelled his curiosity about physics and led him to pursue his bachelor’s degree and PhD in the eld of science.

• Richard Feynman’s early experimentation with the inner workings of radios gave him ideas about “how things work,” feeding his love of science and eventually leading him to the career for which he is now famous.