Passionate about science or just curious? This quiz is for you!
Discover a fascinating world where genetics, space, chemistry and physics come together, prepare to be surprised, to learn and to have fun.
Here are 15 carefully selected questions to stimulate your gray matter and perhaps even challenge some of your certainties. Whether you’re an expert in a white coat or an enthusiastic novice, this quiz has plenty of surprises in store for you.
Ready to measure the extent of your scientific knowledge? Here we go!
Deciphering the answers: Diving into the mysteries of science
Now that you’ve completed the quiz, it’s time to reveal the answers and dig deeper into each question. Prepare for a fascinating journey through various scientific fields!
1. The genetic link between humans and chimpanzees
The correct answer is C) 98.5%. This astonishing genetic similarity between humans and chimpanzees is a powerful testament to our close evolutionary kinship. Despite this high percentage, the 1.5% difference is responsible for major distinctions between our species, particularly in terms of cognitive abilities and physical development.
2. Measuring radioactivity: the becquerel
The correct answer is B) Becquerel. This unit, named in honor of French physicist Henri Becquerel, measures radioactive activity. One becquerel corresponds to one disintegration per second in a radioactive sample. This unit is crucial in many fields, from nuclear medicine to the safety of nuclear power plants.
3. Argon, a little-known noble gas
Answer A) Argon is correct. Although less well known than nitrogen and oxygen, argon makes up about 0.93% of Earth’s atmosphere. This noble gas, inert and colorless, plays an important role in various industrial and scientific applications, notably in the manufacture of electric light bulbs and welding.
4. Stephen Hawking and black holes
Answer C) Stephen Hawking is correct. Although many scientists have contributed to our understanding of black holes, Stephen Hawking revolutionized the field with his work on black hole radiation, now known as “Hawking radiation.” His research made it possible to reconcile the theory of general relativity with quantum mechanics in the context of black holes.
5. Yttrium, a rare but precious element
The correct answer is A) Y. Yttrium, discovered in 1794, is a rare transition metal used in a variety of technological applications, including the manufacture of red LEDs, lasers, and superconductors. Its name comes from Ytterby, a Swedish village famous for its rare earth mines.
6. The coulomb, unit of electric charge
The correct answer is A) Coulomb. Named after the French physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, this unit measures the amount of electrical charge. A coulomb represents the charge carried by a current of one ampere for one second. This unit is fundamental in the study of electricity and electromagnetism.
7. The circadian rhythm, our internal clock
Answer A) Circadian rhythm is correct. This biological process regulates our sleep and wake cycles, as well as many other physiological functions over a period of approximately 24 hours. The discovery of the molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2017 to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young.
8. The right brain and spatial perception
The correct answer is A) The right side. Although the brain functions as a whole, the right side is generally more involved in spatial and visual tasks. This hemispheric specialization, although simplified in popular culture, plays an important role in our ability to perceive and interact with our environment.
9. Apollo 17: the last lunar mission
Answer C) Apollo 17 is correct. This mission, which took place from December 7 to 19, 1972, marks the last time humans walked on the Moon. Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt spent three days on the lunar surface, performing crucial scientific experiments and collecting valuable samples.
10. Bakelite, pioneer of synthetic plastics
The correct answer is B) Bakelite. Invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, Bakelite was the first fully synthetic plastic. Its insulating properties and resistance to heat made it a revolutionary material for the electrical and electronics industry of the early 20th century.
11. Zinc and its chemical symbol
The correct answer is B) Zn. Zinc, a bluish-white metal, is essential in many biological processes and industrial applications. Its use dates back to ancient times, but it was not recognized as a distinct element until the 18th century by the German chemist Andreas Marggraf.
12. Humphry Davy: the discoverer of elements
Answer B) Humphry Davy is correct. This 19th century English chemist discovered several elements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron and barium. His work not only enriched our periodic table, but laid the foundation for modern electrochemistry.
13. Particle accelerators and the Big Bang
The correct answer is C) Reproduce the conditions of the Big Bang. Facilities like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN aim to recreate the extreme conditions that existed just after the Big Bang. These experiments allow us to study the fundamental laws of physics and the origin of our universe.
14. The SRY gene and sex determination
The correct answer is B) SRY gene. The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene is usually present on the Y chromosome and plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics. Its absence generally indicates female development, although sex determination is a complex process involving many genetic and environmental factors.
15. The nicotine content of tobacco
Answer A) Between 0.5% and 3% is correct. Nicotine, an alkaloid naturally present in tobacco, is responsible for its addictive effects. This concentration may vary depending on the tobacco species and growing conditions. Understanding these levels is crucial for studies of tobacco dependence and the development of cessation strategies.
Beyond the quiz: The impact of science in our daily lives
This quiz represents only a tiny part of the scientific knowledge accumulated over the centuries. Each question opens the door to a vast and complex field, testifying to the richness and diversity of modern science. From genetics to astrophysics, including chemistry and neurology, these disciplines shape our understanding of the world and influence our daily lives in often unsuspected ways.
For example, research into DNA and genetics, discussed in the first question, has profound implications in medicine, agriculture, and even forensics. Advances in understanding the brain, as mentioned in the question on spatial perception, influence not only medicine but also the design and ergonomics of the objects we use every day.
Discoveries in chemistry, illustrated by questions about elements such as yttrium or zinc, are the basis of many technological innovations, from smartphones to solar panels. As for particle physics and the study of the universe, they push us to rethink our place in the cosmos and inspire unexpected technological advances.
As we continue to explore and discover, new questions constantly emerge. What will be the next great scientific discoveries? How will science continue to transform our world? These questions remind us that curiosity and the thirst for knowledge are the driving forces of scientific progress.
Ultimately, this quiz is just an invitation to delve deeper into these fascinating topics. Whether you got a perfect score or some questions surprised you, the important thing is to maintain this spirit of curiosity and wonder in the face of the mysteries of our universe. Science is a never-ending journey, filled with amazing discoveries and stimulating challenges. Continue to question, learn and explore the world around you!
