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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Act 2, how does Margrethe attempt to cut the tension between the two men?

2. What was Heisenberg’s main scientific achievement?

3. What did Heisenberg do in Japan?

4. Why did Heisenberg leave Bohr?

5. Where were Bohr’s rooms in 1924?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did people think about Heisenberg’s reaction to Schrödinger’s mechanics?

2. What did Heisenberg tell minor Nazi officials?

3. How was Einstein’s theory important to Heisenberg’s work?

4. What does Otto Hahn want to do during the last months of the war?

5. Where does Heisenberg spend the last months of the war, and why?

6. Why didn’t the worst happen to the reactor in Haigerloch?

7. What does Heisenberg say about his understanding of the bomb?

8. What tendency does Bohr claim that Margrethe has?

9. How did Heisenberg describe Schrödinger’s mechanics?

10. What is Heisenberg’s plan (according to him, in present day) for talking to Bohr about the atomic project?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On its surface, the play seems to be about science. However, the title and various other elements of the content link it to other spheres, as well. Can this play hold interest for those who are not interested in science? What other areas of study does it touch upon, and in what way?

Essay Topic 2

Skiing is used as a metaphor throughout the play. Discuss Heisenberg’s assertion that making no decision would lead to death. What is the significance of “swerving” in the context of Copenhagen?

Essay Topic 3

Heisenberg both harms and hurts the Bohrs in numerous ways. What does he do to help them, and which of his actions place them at risk? What are the repercussions of both kinds of actions? On the other hand, how do the Bohrs influence Heisenberg’s life?

(see the answer keys)

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