CBSE Class 9 English (Beehive) Important Questions Chapter 4 - A Truly Beautiful Mind

1. Who is the author of the chapter "A Truly Beautiful Mind"?
Ans. The author is Katherine Mansfield.

2. When and where was Albert Einstein born?
Ans. Albert Einstein was born on 14 March 1879 in the German city of Ulm.

3. What nickname did Einstein’s playmates give him as a child?
Ans. His playmates called him "Brother Boring."

4. Which musical instrument did Einstein learn to play as a child?
Ans. Einstein learned to play the violin.

5. What job did Einstein secure in 1902?
Ans. He secured a job as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern.

6. Why did Einstein's mother think he was a 'freak'?
Ans. Einstein's mother thought he was a 'freak' because his head seemed much too large when he was a baby. She worried that he looked different from other children.

7. What was the attitude of Einstein's headmaster towards his future?
Ans. Einstein's headmaster told his father that Einstein would never make a success at anything, implying that he lacked potential and would not achieve much in life.

8. How did Einstein's interest in Mileva Maric develop?
Ans. Einstein developed an interest in Mileva Maric because she was intelligent and shared his passion for science. He saw her as an ally against those who did not understand or support his interests.

9. Why did Einstein leave his school in Munich?
Ans. Einstein left his school in Munich because he found the strict regimentation stifling. He often clashed with his teachers and felt suffocated by the lack of freedom.

10. What were Einstein's main contributions to science in 1905?
Ans. In 1905, Einstein published several important papers, including his Special Theory of Relativity. This theory showed that time and distance are not absolute and introduced the famous equation E=mc^2, linking energy and mass.

11. Describe Einstein's early childhood and his behaviour as a young child.
Ans. Einstein's early childhood was marked by some unusual behaviours. He started speaking very late, only at the age of two-and-a-half, and when he did start speaking, he repeated everything twice. He did not play with other children and preferred to play alone with mechanical toys. His playmates called him "Brother Boring" because of his quiet nature. His mother worried about his large head, and even a headmaster once said he would not achieve anything significant in life. Despite these setbacks, Einstein showed a love for mechanical toys and later developed an interest in mathematics and science.

12. Why was Einstein’s education in Switzerland more suited to him compared to his earlier schooling in Munich?
Ans. Einstein’s education in Switzerland was more suited to him because the school in Switzerland had a more liberal environment compared to the regimented atmosphere of his school in Munich. In Munich, Einstein often clashed with his teachers and felt stifled by the strict discipline. However, in Switzerland, he found the freedom to express himself and pursue his interests in science and mathematics. The less restrictive environment allowed him to thrive academically and develop his scientific talents.

13. What role did Mileva Maric play in Einstein’s life, and why did his mother disapprove of their relationship?
Ans. Mileva Maric was Einstein’s fellow student, and they shared a deep bond, both romantically and intellectually. Mileva was one of the few women who could study at the university level, and she and Einstein supported each other’s scientific pursuits. Einstein’s mother disapproved of their relationship because Mileva was three years older than Albert and was also very intelligent, which made Einstein’s mother uncomfortable. She thought Mileva was “a book” just like Einstein and worried that she was not suitable for him. Despite this disapproval, Einstein and Mileva married in 1903, although their marriage eventually ended in divorce.

14. How did Einstein’s work at the patent office contribute to his scientific discoveries?
Ans. Einstein's work at the patent office in Bern provided him with the time and opportunity to think about scientific problems. While his job involved assessing other people's inventions, Einstein used his spare time at work to develop his own ideas. He often referred to his desk drawer as the "bureau of theoretical physics," where he kept his notes on his theories. The relative stability and routine of the job allowed Einstein to focus on his scientific work, leading to his groundbreaking papers published in 1905, including the Special Theory of Relativity.

15. Explain the significance of Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt and its impact on world history.
Ans. Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, warning him about the potential for Germany to develop an atomic bomb after the discovery of nuclear fission. He urged the United States to start its own atomic bomb project, which led to the creation of the Manhattan Project. The project eventually developed the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, leading to the end of World War II. Einstein’s letter had a profound impact on world history, as it indirectly led to the development of nuclear weapons, changing the nature of warfare and international relations forever.

16. Why did Einstein refer to Mileva as his 'ally against the philistines'?
Ans. Einstein referred to Mileva as his 'ally against the philistines' because they both shared a passion for knowledge and science, which many people around them did not appreciate. The term 'philistines' refers to people who lack appreciation for culture, art, and intellectual pursuits. Einstein saw Mileva as a partner who understood and supported his intellectual ambitions, unlike many others who did not value his unconventional thinking.

17. What does Einstein’s experience at school teach us about the importance of understanding different learning needs?
Ans. Einstein’s experience at school shows that a rigid and regimented education system does not work for everyone. Einstein struggled in the strict, disciplined environment of his Munich school, which did not cater to his curiosity and need for intellectual freedom. His success in the more liberal environment in Switzerland highlights the importance of flexible learning approaches that encourage creativity and critical thinking, showing that different students have different learning needs.

18. How did Einstein’s personal life affect his scientific career?
Ans. Einstein’s personal life had a significant impact on his scientific career. His relationship with Mileva Maric initially provided intellectual companionship, which likely influenced his work in theoretical physics. However, as their marriage deteriorated, Mileva's unhappiness and the couple's frequent conflicts may have added stress to Einstein's life. Despite these challenges, Einstein continued to make significant contributions to science. His later marriage to Elsa provided more stability, coinciding with his rise to world fame and the recognition of his work.

19. What can we learn from Einstein’s reaction to the use of the atomic bomb?
Ans. Einstein's reaction to the use of the atomic bomb teaches us about the moral responsibilities of scientists. Although he helped initiate the development of nuclear weapons by writing to President Roosevelt, Einstein was deeply disturbed by the destruction caused in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He became an advocate for peace and disarmament, showing that he recognised the ethical implications of his work. This teaches us that scientific discoveries must be guided by ethical considerations, and scientists have a responsibility to ensure their work benefits humanity.

20. Why was Einstein celebrated as a 'world citizen' in addition to being a scientific genius?
Ans. Einstein was celebrated as a 'world citizen' because he used his fame and influence to advocate for global peace and democracy. He spoke out against the rise of fascism, campaigned for civil rights, and called for the establishment of a world government. His advocacy for peace, his contributions to society beyond science, and his commitment to humanitarian causes made him not only a great scientist but also a symbol of hope and unity for people around the world.

21. What did Einstein do after leaving Germany when the Nazis came to power?
Ans. After the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933, Einstein emigrated to the United States, where he continued his scientific work and became an outspoken advocate for peace and democracy.

22. How did Einstein’s mother react to his relationship with Mileva Maric?
Ans. Einstein’s mother disapproved of his relationship with Mileva Maric because Mileva was older than Einstein and was very intelligent. She thought Mileva was too similar to Einstein, which made her worry about their compatibility.

23. Why did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office the 'bureau of theoretical physics'?
Ans. Einstein called his desk drawer the 'bureau of theoretical physics' because he used it to store his notes and ideas on physics while working at the patent office. It was where he kept the work that led to his groundbreaking scientific theories.

24. What was the public reaction to Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in 1919?
Ans. The public reaction to Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in 1919 was one of amazement. The newspapers described it as a scientific revolution, as the theory provided a new understanding of gravity that was confirmed during an eclipse.

25. How did Einstein’s discovery of nuclear fission affect the world?
Ans. Einstein’s involvement in the discovery of nuclear fission led to the development of atomic bombs, which were used by the United States in World War II. This discovery changed warfare and led to the nuclear arms race during the Cold War.

26. What qualities made Einstein a 'visionary' according to the chapter?
Ans. Einstein was considered a 'visionary' because of his forward-thinking ideas in science, such as the theory of relativity, and his commitment to global issues like peace and disarmament. He looked beyond his immediate environment to think about the future of humanity.

27. How did Einstein’s early love for mechanical toys foreshadow his future in science?
Ans. Einstein’s early love for mechanical toys showed his curiosity about how things worked, which foreshadowed his future interest in physics and understanding the fundamental laws of the universe. This curiosity was a key part of his success as a scientist.

28. Why did Einstein advocate for a world government later in his life?
Ans. Einstein advocated for a world government because he believed that only a unified global authority could prevent future wars and ensure peace. He was deeply affected by the destruction caused by World War II and wanted to promote international cooperation.

29. What was Einstein's relationship with his family like during his youth?
Ans. During his youth, Einstein’s relationship with his family was supportive but sometimes challenging. His mother encouraged his interest in music, while his father tried to provide for his education. However, his unconventional behaviour often worried his parents.

30. What did Einstein's headmaster predict about his future, and how was it proven wrong?
Ans. Einstein’s headmaster predicted that he would never make a success of anything. This prediction was proven wrong when Einstein went on to become one of the most famous and influential scientists in history, known for his groundbreaking contributions to physics.

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Conclusion:

"A Truly Beautiful Mind" in Class 9 English (Beehive) tells us about Albert Einstein’s amazing journey, both as a scientist and as a caring human being. The chapter shows how Einstein made great discoveries that changed science forever, and how he also worked for peace later in his life. It helps us see that Einstein was not just a genius in science, but also someone who wanted to make the world a better place. Vedantu’s important questions FREE PDF for this chapter helps students understand Einstein's life and achievements, making it easier to prepare well for exams.

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