1. “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
1. “For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right.” Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?
Explanation:
James was uncertain about the accuracy of his summaries and calculations. Despite staring at the starry sky through the window, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that Comet Dutta was out there somewhere, on a collision course with Earth. It was difficult to fathom that amidst such tranquility, a catastrophic event was looming on the horizon.
2. What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?
2. What did the scientists at the conference say about James’s ‘sums’?
Explanation:
The professionals dismissed the idea of seeking refuge in an underground bunker as an impractical solution for defense. Instead, they proposed an "offensive" operation that involved altering the course of Comet Dutta to avoid a collision with Earth. This could be accomplished by loading a spacecraft with a nuclear payload and launching it to intercept the incoming comet. The nuclear device would then be detonated using a remote control to push the comet off its trajectory.
3. Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
3. Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of ‘defensive’ and ‘offensive’ action mentioned in the text.
Explanation:
The idea of taking refuge in an underground bunker as a defensive measure against the comet was deemed impractical by the experts. Instead, they proposed an offensive operation to alter the comet's trajectory by using a nuclear payload. The plan involved sending a spacecraft with the nuclear payload to intercept the comet and discharging it with a distant controller.
4. “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15.” What did Sir John mean by that?
4. “I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15.” What did Sir John mean by that?
Explanation:
Rephrased: Sir John's statement that he wouldn't be buying Christmas gifts until December 15 indicated his uncertainty about the success of the experiment. This is because December 15 is the day when Comet Dutta is predictable to collide with the earth if the experiment fails.
5. What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?
5. What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?
Explanation:
Upon returning from London, Duttada was anticipated to conduct a shanti yagna to appease the negative effects of the comet. The yagna was organized by his wife, Indrani Debi, who believed that it could reduce the negative impact of comets on Earth. She also invited pastors to bless her partner during the ceremony.
6. What is his reaction to the proposal?
6. What is his reaction to the proposal?
Explanation:
Duttada strongly opposed the idea of conducting a yagna to counter the potential harm from the comet that might collide with Earth. He believed that such a practice was a mere misconception and declined to participate in the yagna aimed at warding off the ill possessions of the comet.
7. i. What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
ii. What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
7. i. What does ‘Project Light Brigade’ refer to?
ii. What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?
Explanation:
(i) When the scientists at the Conclave came to the realization that Comet Dutta was on a collision course with Earth, they banded together to develop a plan to save the planet. This plan, called "Project Light Brigade," involved altering the comet's trajectory by detonating a nuclear device near it.
(ii) In a letter to Duttada in October, Sir John informed him that the "light brigade project" was underway and that they were hopeful for a positive outcome. This indicates that the spacecraft carrying the nuclear payload had been launched on schedule.
8. Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
8. Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?
Explanation:
Sir John's telegram to Du Tada on November 18 informed him that he had bought Christmas presents on December 15, indicating the success of the "light brigade project." The project, which involved detonating a nuclear payload near Comet Dutta to alter its trajectory and prevent it from colliding with Earth, was carried out under Sir John's supervision, and he expressed confidence in its success.
9. Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
9. Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?
Explanation:
Indrani Debi believed that performing a shanti yagna at home was the solution to avert the comet from crashing with Earth, but I disagree with her view as it is based on superstition. In reality, the scientists collaborated in secret meetings and devised a strategy, Project Light Brigade, to alter the comet's trajectory by causing a nuclear bang near it. The trial was successful and saved the planet and its populations from catastrophic annihilation.
10. Is Duttada’s general outlook
rational?
moral?
traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.
10. Is Duttada’s general outlook
rational?
moral?
traditional?
Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.
Explanation:
Duttada is a scientist who held rational and methodical views. Through his observations of the stars and their movements, he gained knowledge about the composition of comets. He firmly believed that there was no connection between scientific phenomena, such as the arrival of comets, and traditional or customary beliefs about earthly events. Therefore, he refused to participate in the yagna and demonstrated his perspective.
11. Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.
11. Should a scientist’s findings be suppressed if they seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the topic.
Explanation:
It is essential never to suppress or ignore a scientist's discoveries as they endeavor to uncover the truth in arrear unknown space objects through scientific reasoning and research. An example of such a scientist is Nicolas Copernicus, a statistician and astrophysicist who proposed a prototype of the cosmos placing the sun at the midpoint instead of the Earth. His theory turned out to be accurate, unlike the belief of people during Galileo's time that the Earth was the midpoint of the cosmos, with the sun and other planets revolving around it.
12. Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional?
Do you find these things useless or useful?
12. Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are some of the things we do to be called traditional?
Do you find these things useless or useful?
Explanation:
Although science has made significant strides in promoting rationality and truth, our society remains entrenched in conservatism and tradition due to widespread ignorance. Priests have played a significant role in promoting these traditional beliefs through customs and rituals, seeking to instill them in the people. Such practices include making offerings to God to appease evil spirits, which are ultimately futile and pointless.
13. Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.
13. Give two or three examples to show how science has been useful to us.
Explanation:
Science is a valuable tool that enables us to explore the unknown and uncover new possibilities through rigorous research and logical reasoning. This process is ongoing and never-ending. Science has made our lives more comfortable and secure by protecting us from various challenges such as famines, floods, natural disasters, diseases, and other threats.
14. Give one example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.
14. Give one example to show how science has been misused, and has as a result been harmful to us.
Explanation:
The misuse of science has led to significant diversions, such as the construction of nuclear energy and the finding of the atomic bomb. The invention of gunpowder paved the way for even more deadly weapons, such as the hydrogen bomb and other forms of ammunition. Unfortunately, this misuse of science has resulted in massive losses of life and property worldwide.
