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Question 1: Why, according to Greek mythology, was Pandora given a box she was forbidden to open?
Question 2: Which plant is known as the "king of fruits" and has a distinctive spiky exterior?
The durian is a tropical fruit known for its large size, strong odor, and thorn-covered rind. It is native to Southeast Asia and is sometimes referred to as the "king of fruits" due to its unique appearance and flavor.
Question 3: What is the chemical symbol for the element silver?
The chemical symbol for silver is Ag, which comes from the Latin word for silver, 'argentum'. Silver has the atomic number 47 and is a transition metal known for its lustrous, white appearance and excellent conductivity of electricity.
Question 4: What was the last name of the famous composer who wrote the opera "The Marriage of Figaro"?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the renowned Austrian composer, wrote the comic opera "The Marriage of Figaro" which premiered in 1786. It is considered one of the greatest operas ever written and is still frequently performed today.
Question 5: In what year did the United States officially enter World War II?
The United States officially entered World War II on December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This surprise attack led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to declare war on Japan, with Germany and Italy subsequently declaring war on the U.S. a few days later.
Question 6: Why is regular handwashing considered one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections?
Regular handwashing with soap and water is effective in removing germs, including bacteria and viruses, from the hands, thus reducing the risk of spreading infections to yourself and others.
Question 7: If you are hit in the "funny bone", which nerve are you actually hitting?
Despite its name, the "funny bone" is not actually a bone. It's a nerve called the ulnar nerve that runs along the inside of your elbow. When you hit it, it causes a tingling sensation and sometimes pain that radiates down to your little finger.
Question 8: In George Orwell's novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four", what is the name of the fictional language spoken in the totalitarian state of Oceania?
In Orwell's dystopian novel, Newspeak is a controlled language created by the totalitarian state to limit freedom of thought and self-expression. The Party intends for Newspeak to eventually replace Oldspeak, or Standard English.
Question 9: Why are most plants green?
Most plants are green because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy to fuel their growth. The green color of chlorophyll allows plants to absorb red and blue light from the sun while reflecting green light, giving them their characteristic green appearance.
Question 10: When was the current design of the flag of the United States adopted?
The current 50-star design of the U.S. flag was officially adopted in 1960 after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. The 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union, while the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods. Zeus gave her a box which she was told never to open. However, curiosity got the better of her and she opened the box, releasing all the evils of humanity—such as death, sorrow, and sickness. This was done as a punishment to mankind because Prometheus had given the gift of fire to humans against the will of the gods.