View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 5: Powder of Sympathy.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Early clocks weren't up to measuring longitude at sea for two reasons. They were not accurate and changed because of what while at sea?
(a) Temperature.
(b) Wind.
(c) Speed of the boat.
(d) Rocking of the boat.

2. What was one disadvantage to using the magnetic variation method to determine longitude?
(a) It led to misalignment with the stars.
(b) Compasses were to large to take on ships.
(c) Compasses weren't continuously accurate.
(d) It could only be used on clear nights.

3. What could have avoided the tragedy near the Scilly Islands?
(a) If the stars had been out so the captains could utilize them for navigation.
(b) If the rudder on the ship hadn't been broken, the captain could have steered away from the islands.
(c) If the admiral had listened to a sailor who kept his own navigation.
(d) If the lead ship had followed the directions of the admiral.

4. How many men of the original 500 perished on Centurion's voyage to the South Pacific?
(a) 500.
(b) Half.
(c) One quarter.
(d) All but two.

5. How long did Harrison work before receiving his monetary reward?
(a) 50 years.
(b) 30 years.
(c) 40 years.
(d) 10 years.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many sailors died near the Scilly Islands?

2. Where does the quote at the beginning of Chapter 3: Adrift in a Clockwork Universe have the author dreaming he is locked in?

3. When did clock makers begin to design clocks to measure longitude?

4. The placement of the prime meridian was a ____________ decision.

5. In order for Ditton's and Whiston's plan to determine longitude to work, what would have to be done?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 310 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample