Nobel and Dynamite

Alfred Nobel is best known for establishing the Nobel Prize, which honors achievements in science and peace. Ironically, he also invented dynamite, a powerful explosive. Initially, only black gunpowder was available until Asano Sobrero created nitroglycerin, a volatile liquid. Nobel, inspired by his father, sought to make nitroglycerin safer for construction. He developed a stable paste called dynamite, patented in 1867, and invented a detonator for safe use. Dynamite revolutionized construction by reducing costs. Concerned about his legacy, Nobel established an endowment fund, leading to the Nobel Prizes, which continue to recognize excellence in various fields.

What was the main limitation of nitroglycerin that made it impractical for use?

• It was not powerful enough.

• It was highly volatile and unstable.

• It was too expensive to produce.

• It was difficult to transport.

How did Alfred Nobel make nitroglycerin safer for construction work?

• By mixing it with an absorbent mineral to create a stable paste.

• By using it in small quantities.

• By diluting it with water.

• By freezing it to reduce volatility.

What was the purpose of the detonator invented by Nobel?

• To reduce the cost of production.

• To make dynamite reusable.

• To increase the explosive power of dynamite.

• To allow explosions to be triggered from a safe distance.

Why did Alfred Nobel establish the Nobel Prize?

• To create a new form of entertainment.

• To fund further research in explosives.

• To honor outstanding achievements in various fields.

• To promote the use of dynamite in construction.

Which fields are recognized by the Nobel Prize according to Nobel's will?

• Physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace building.

• Engineering, architecture, mathematics, and music.

• Biology, astronomy, economics, and history.

• Art, philosophy, sociology, and linguistics.