Question 1: If you traveled due east from New York City, which European country would you reach first?
Question 2: Why does the Moon appear to change shape throughout the month?
The Moon's phases are caused by the changing angle of the Sun's light hitting the Moon as seen from Earth. As the Moon orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface varies, giving us the impression of different lunar phases. The Moon itself does not change shape.
Question 3: Who founded the company Microsoft?
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. Microsoft went on to become one of the world's most valuable companies, and Gates became one of the wealthiest people in the world largely due to Microsoft's success.
Question 4: If a symphony is played by a full orchestra, how many movements does it usually have?
A typical symphony has four movements: an opening movement in sonata form, a slow movement, a minuet or scherzo with trio, and a final allegro. However, there are many exceptions to this format.
Question 5: If you had hypertrichosis, which part of your body would be affected?
Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth anywhere on a person's body. It is sometimes referred to as "werewolf syndrome" due to the animal-like appearance it can give to those affected.
Question 6: Why do most plants appear green?
Most plants appear green because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is vital for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. It absorbs red and blue light from the sun, while reflecting green light, which is why most plants appear green to our eyes.
Question 7: If you mix all the colors of light together, what color do you get?
When all colors of the visible light spectrum are combined, they create white light. This is because each color contributes a different wavelength, and when they all mix together, the result is the perception of white by the human eye.
Question 8: In environmental science, what does the term "carbon sink" refer to?
In environmental science, a carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores carbon-containing chemical compounds, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Forests, soils, and oceans are examples of natural carbon sinks.
Question 9: Where is the world's largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii, native to?
The Rafflesia arnoldii, known for its large size and pungent odor, is native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. It is a parasitic plant that has no leaves, stems or roots, and relies on a host vine for nutrients.
Question 10: When was the first known use of sign language?
The first recorded use of sign language dates back to the 5th century BC in Ancient Greece. The Greek philosopher Plato wrote about deaf people using signs to communicate. However, formal sign language systems as we know them today didn't develop until much later, in the 18th century.
Although Spain may seem like the obvious answer, Portugal is actually the first European country you would reach if you traveled due east from New York City. This is because Portugal's westernmost point extends slightly further west than Spain's.