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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. How many times the energy of uranium and plutonium bombs can be released by hydrogen bombs?

2. How much in 2008 were "triple junction" (82) solar cells?

3. In the Manhattan Project, how much uranium did scientists believe was needed for a critical mass?

4. How long does the radioactivity of iodine-131 last?

5. When did North Korea test its first atomic bomb?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the terrorists who carried out the bombing of the World Trade Center use their basic knowledge of airport security?

2. In Chapter 7, was the United States running out of fossil fuels?

3. How have gasoline and oil been used in the past?

4. Under what circumstances might a sophisticated group of terrorists make a weapon in the kiloton range?

5. How long will the U.S. be able to use coal?

6. Where is most oil found underground, and how can it be extracted?

7. What must alcohol be made from the U.S. and how is it determined that it has been made properly?

8. What anecdote does the author share regarding a conversation between one of his student's and a physicist?

9. What is radioactivity and radiation?

10. How does the energy released by jet fuel or gasoline compare to TNT, and why is TNT used instead of other sources with more energy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Muller’s book is based on a class he taught at Berkeley. Why did Muller start the physics class for non-physicists? Why did he write the book?

Essay Topic 2

Analogies are used to compare an unfamiliar object or idea to a familiar one in an attempt to explain the unfamiliar. How does the author use analogies in the book? How do analogies help readers understand unfamiliar ideas or understand events?

Essay Topic 3

Propaganda is using misinformation to influence the opinion of a person or group. What types of propaganda are discussed in the book? Why are physicists not likely to use propaganda? Why might scientists believe propaganda will help present their case, especially regarding global warming?

(see the answer keys)

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