Cavendish's Contributions to Science

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Questions and Answers

Why was Cavendish's determination that water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen significant?

It validated earlier claims by other scientists without providing new evidence.
It had no significant impact, as the composition of water was already widely known.
It confirmed the alchemical theory that water was a fundamental element.
It disproved the prevailing theory that water was a simple, indivisible element. (correct)

How did Cavendish's meticulous research on gases contribute to advancements in scientific fields beyond chemistry?

His gas research led directly to the development of nuclear energy.
His gas research led to the invention of the telescope.
His gas research had limited impact, primarily influencing only theoretical chemistry.
His gas research paved the way for advancements in ballooning. (correct)

In what way did Cavendish's calculation of Earth's density contribute to the broader understanding of the universe?

It provided data that facilitated subsequent calculations of other astronomical constants. (correct)
It established a new system for astronomical measurements.
It disproved Newton's law of universal gravitation.
It had no impact on astronomical studies.

What was the significance of Cavendish's membership and active role in the Royal Society during the 18th century?

It provided a platform for him to share his findings and collaborate with other prominent scientists. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Cavendish's approach to experimentation differ from that of his contemporaries, contributing to his success?

He meticulously designed and executed experiments. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished Cavendish's discovery of hydrogen from previous observations of flammable gases?

He was the first to isolate and systematically study the properties of hydrogen. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Cavendish's analysis of air composition lead to the discovery of new gases?

He meticulously removed known components from air and identified a residual gas with distinct properties. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Cavendish's background and personal characteristics affect his scientific pursuits and contributions?

His wealth allowed him to conduct extensive research independently. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What challenges might Cavendish have faced in conducting his experiments in his home laboratory during the 18th century?

Limited access to advanced scientific equipment and resources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Cavendish's detailed notes and publications impact the broader scientific community and future research?

His notes provided detailed methodologies and data for future research, even on unpublished findings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary point of contention surrounding James Watt's work on water composition?

Determining which scientist (Watt, Cavendish, or Lavoisier) deserved primary credit for identifying water's composition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of Cavendish's meticulous setup involving a dark, sealed room in his experiments?

To maintain a constant temperature to minimize measurement errors from external factors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Watt's contribution to the understanding of water's composition, according to some historians?

He explicitly identified water as a chemical compound, moving beyond the phlogiston theory more clearly than Cavendish. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did knowing the Earth's gravitational pull and the density of the spheres contribute to Cavendish's calculation of Earth's density?

These values allowed him to equate the gravitational force with the mass and volume of the Earth, thereby finding its density relative to water. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the financial connection between James Watt and the Cavendish Laboratory?

A portion of Watt's legacy was used to fund the construction of the Cavendish Laboratory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Cavendish's experimental design, what primary challenge was he addressing by using more than 400 investigations into the nature of air?

The need for reproducible results to validate his findings and account for variability in air composition and environmental conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of 'phlogiston' influence the understanding of water composition during Watt and Cavendish's time?

It was a theoretical substance used to explain combustion and chemical reactions, influencing how they interpreted their experimental results regarding water. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Assuming that Cavendish’s determination of Earth's density was based on observed gravitational forces (i.e. $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$), and given that his measurements were conducted with equipment susceptible to temperature fluctuations, what would be a valid concern?

Thermal expansion or contraction influencing the density and dimensions of the spheres, which would affect the accuracy of mass and distance measurements and skew the calculation of the gravitational force. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Cavendish's experiment to determine Earth's density served as empirical validation for which fundamental scientific principle?

Newton's law of universal gravitation applied to terrestrial objects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Cavendish's identification of a small amount of unidentified gas in the air?

It paved the way for the discovery of argon, expanding the understanding of atmospheric composition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Cavendish's time, 'inflammable air' and 'dephlogisticated air' were terms used to describe which elements?

Hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Cavendish's determination of water's composition challenged which prevailing scientific theory of his time?

The phlogiston theory. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What direct implication did Cavendish's density calculation of carbon dioxide have on practical applications of the time?

It provided a basis for understanding gas behavior in pneumatic chemistry and experiments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Cavendish's methodology was most crucial to the accuracy of his Earth density experiment?

Careful control and measurement of the torsion balance's angle and the masses involved. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Cavendish's work on air composition directly influence later scientific investigations?

It spurred research into the liquefaction of gases. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Cavendish's finding regarding the composition of water contribute to the advancement of chemical nomenclature?

It supported the development of symbolic representation for elements and compounds using formulas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the limitations of 18th-century technology, what was particularly impressive about Cavendish's measurement of hydrogen's density?

He accurately quantified such a light gas with rudimentary equipment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What conceptual challenge did Cavendish's Earth density experiment pose to the scientific community of his time?

It necessitated reconciling the concept of gravity as a force applicable to both celestial and terrestrial scales. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Henry Cavendish

A British aristocrat known for his contributions to chemistry and physics.

Hydrogen Discovery

Cavendish identified and named the element hydrogen in 1766.