Question 1: If you're standing at sea level, what is the approximate boiling point of water?
Question 2: In the Marvel Universe, what is the name of the villain who is the archenemy of the X-Men?
Magneto, a powerful mutant with the ability to manipulate magnetic fields, has been the primary antagonist of the X-Men since the team's inception. His complex relationship with Professor X and his belief in mutant supremacy have made him one of the most iconic villains in comic book history.
Question 3: If you were to "phone home", which movie character would you be emulating?
"E.T. phone home" is a famous line from the 1982 movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, spoken by the titular character as he tries to contact his home planet. The movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, became a cultural phenomenon and is considered a classic of science fiction cinema.
Question 4: Which U.S. president resigned from office in the wake of the Watergate scandal?
Richard Nixon resigned as the 37th President of the United States on August 9, 1974, following the Watergate scandal, making him the only U.S. president to resign from office. He was succeeded by his vice president, Gerald Ford.
Question 5: Where did the Loy Krathong festival originate?
The Loy Krathong festival originated in Thailand. It is celebrated annually on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar, usually in November. During the festival, people release krathongs (floating baskets) onto rivers and waterways as offerings to the river spirits.
Question 6: Where does the legendary creature Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch) allegedly live?
Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is said to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in Washington state, Oregon, and British Columbia, Canada. Despite many alleged sightings, the existence of Bigfoot has never been scientifically confirmed.
Question 7: Who is the patron saint celebrated on Saint Patrick's Day?
Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, known for bringing Christianity to the country in the 5th century AD. He is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, which is why shamrocks are a symbol of the holiday.
Question 8: When water freezes into ice, what happens to its volume?
When water freezes into ice, its volume increases by about 9%. This is because water expands as it freezes, unlike most other substances which contract. This expansion is what causes ice to float on water.
Question 9: When was Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor first performed?
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, also known as the "Choral Symphony," was first performed in Vienna on May 7, 1824. It was Beethoven's last complete symphony and is considered one of his greatest masterpieces. Interestingly, Beethoven was already completely deaf when the symphony premiered, and he had to be turned around to see the audience's applause.
Question 10: In what year was the first patent for a ballpoint pen issued?
While ballpoint pens became commercially available and popular in the 1940s, the first patent for a ballpoint pen was actually issued in 1888 to John J. Loud. However, Loud's pen was not a commercial success due to design imperfections.
At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 1 atmosphere (atm). This pressure allows water to boil at 100°C (212°F). As you go up in elevation, the atmospheric pressure decreases, which lowers the boiling point of water. Conversely, if you go below sea level, the increased atmospheric pressure raises the boiling point of water.