Question 1: What is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element?
Question 2: Which country is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes?
Finland is often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes, but it actually has around 188,000 lakes. The country has one of the highest numbers of lakes in relation to its size and population in the world.
Question 3: What is the term for the legal concept that one is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law?
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in many legal systems around the world. It places the burden of proof on the prosecution to prove the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, rather than the accused having to prove their innocence.
Question 4: If a Broadway show is awarded a "Tony," what prestigious award does a play in London's West End receive?
The Olivier Awards, named after the famous British actor Sir Laurence Olivier, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognize outstanding achievements in British professional theatre.
Question 5: How many time zones does Russia spans?
Covering approximately 1/8th of the Earth's landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world and spans 11 time zones.
Question 6: Where is the headquarters of the automobile manufacturer BMW located?
BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company was originally established in 1916, and has grown to be a global leader in premium vehicle markets.
Question 7: Which part of a plant is responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves?
Xylem is the vascular tissue in plants that transports water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the stems and leaves. It is composed of specialized cells that are hollow and have reinforced walls to withstand the pressure of the water moving through them.
Question 8: Which famous scientist developed the theory of general relativity?
Albert Einstein developed the theory of general relativity in 1915. The theory revolutionised our understanding of gravity, space, and time.
Question 9: 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 10: What is the term for Descartes' famous philosophical statement, "I think, therefore I am"?
"Cogito, ergo sum" is a Latin philosophical proposition put forth by René Descartes. It signifies that the act of thinking by oneself is evidence of one's own existence, which cannot be doubted.
Atoms are the basic building blocks of ordinary matter. They are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. When atoms join together, they form molecules. For example, a water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.