- 1. Longitude by Dava Sobel is a captivating narrative that explores the historical quest for a reliable method of determining longitude at sea, a problem that plagued navigators for centuries and led to catastrophic maritime disasters. The book centers around the life of John Harrison, an 18th-century clockmaker whose innovations in timekeeping technology transformed navigation. Through an engaging blend of biography, science, and history, Sobel outlines the challenges faced by explorers and scientists of the era, including the immense pressure to create an accurate marine chronometer. The story delves into the rivalry between Harrison and the astronomical method championed by the likes of Galileo and Newton, illuminating the complexities of scientific discovery and the perseverance of one man's dedication to his craft. Sobel's prose brings to life the trials and triumphs of the Age of Enlightenment, illustrating how the resolution of the longitude problem not only enhanced maritime navigation but also contributed significantly to our understanding of time and space. The book skillfully interweaves personal anecdotes and historical context, making it not just an account of scientific progress, but a rich exploration of human ambition and ingenuity.
Who was the main historical figure featured in 'Longitude'?
A) James Cook
B) John Harrison
C) Galileo Galilei
D) Isaac Newton
- 2. What invention is John Harrison famous for?
A) The barometer
B) The astrolabe
C) The sextant
D) The marine chronometer
- 3. What prize was established to reward the solution to the longitude problem?
A) The Celestial Navigation Prize
B) The Maritime Medal
C) The Navigation Award
D) The Longitude Prize
- 4. Where is the Prime Meridian located?
A) Paris, France
B) Madrid, Spain
C) Greenwich, England
D) Lisbon, Portugal
- 5. What was the primary technological innovation in Harrison's chronometer?
A) A compensation mechanism for temperature changes
B) Use of metal gears
C) A magnetic compass
D) Use of electronic components
- 6. Harrison's chronometer was initially met with what?
A) Immediate acceptance
B) Funding from the government
C) Skepticism and resistance
D) High praise from all sailors
- 7. What personal struggle did Harrison face in his lifetime?
A) Too much government support
B) Overconfidence in his designs
C) Lack of interest in navigation
D) Financial difficulties with his inventions
- 8. What impact did 'Longitude' have on public interest?
A) It focused only on modern navigation
B) It discouraged inventions
C) It ended interest in sailing
D) It revived interest in navigation history
- 9. Which competing method was proposed by the astronomers?
A) Lunar distance method
B) Map triangulation
C) Dead reckoning
D) Solar navigation
- 10. What was the outcome for Harrison by the end of his life?
A) He received partial recognition and a reward
B) He was completely discredited
C) He received the full prize immediately
D) He became an official navigator
- 11. Which position did John Harrison hold in society?
A) A clockmaker.
B) A politician.
C) A ship captain.
D) An astronomer.
- 12. Who was the primary antagonist to Harrison’s chronometer?
A) Nevil Maskelyne.
B) Thomas Jefferson.
C) James Cook.
D) William Thames.
- 13. Which device was commonly used to determine latitude?
A) The sextant.
B) The anemometer.
C) The chronometer.
D) The barometer.
- 14. In what year was 'Longitude' published?
A) 2000
B) 1985
C) 1995
D) 1990
- 15. Which element played a crucial role in the functioning of Harrison's design?
A) Balance wheel
B) Spring mechanism
C) Wind-up mechanism
D) Pendulum
- 16. How many versions of the marine chronometer did Harrison create?
A) Four.
B) Five.
C) Two.
D) Three.
- 17. What was the longitude prize offered by the British Parliament?
A) £5,000.
B) £1,000.
C) £20,000.
D) £100,000.
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