Chien-Shiung Wu: Trailblazer in Nuclear Physics
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Questions and Answers

In what year did Chien-Shiung Wu begin her doctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley?

  • 1944
  • 1940
  • 1936 (correct)
  • 1956

    • Which of the following scientific principles did Chien-Shiung Wu's pivotal experiment challenge?

  • Conservation of mass
  • Conservation of energy
  • Conservation of momentum
  • Conservation of parity (correct)

    • Which prestigious award did Chien-Shiung Wu personally receive in recognition of her scientific contributions?

  • National Medal of Science (correct)
  • Nobel Prize in Physics
  • Wolf Prize in Physics
  • Comstock Prize in Physics

    • What was Chien-Shiung Wu's role in the Manhattan Project?

    <p>Developing radiation detectors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scientific organization did Chien-Shiung Wu lead as its first female president?

    <p>American Physical Society (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which decade did Chien-Shiung Wu conduct the experiment that disproved the principle of parity conservation?

    <p>1950s (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of nuclear physics did Chien-Shiung Wu's work involve?

    <p>Splitting uranium atoms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate age of Chien-Shiung Wu in the provided image?

    <p>40s-50s (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of garment is Chien-Shiung Wu wearing in the image?

    <p>Patterned top (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The quote, "This wonder... can be the reward of a lifetime", likely reflects Wu's feelings about what aspect of her experience?

    <p>Scientific discovery (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Chien-Shiung Wu

    A Chinese-American nuclear physicist known for her work in nuclear physics.

    Parity Conservation

    A principle in physics stating that physical processes should remain unchanged when spatial coordinates are inverted.

    Wu Experiment

    An experiment conducted by Wu in 1956 that disproved the principle of parity conservation.

    Manhattan Project

    A secret U.S. project during World War II to develop the atomic bomb, involving Wu's contribution to radiation detectors.

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    PhD in Nuclear Physics

    Chien-Shiung Wu earned her PhD in nuclear physics in 1940, solidifying her expertise.

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    National Medal of Science

    An award given to Wu in 1975, recognizing her exceptional contributions to science.

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    First Female President, APS

    In 1958, Wu became the first female president of the American Physical Society, breaking gender barriers.

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    Atomic Bomb Development

    Wu contributed to innovations during the Manhattan Project vital for atomic bomb technology.

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    Radioactive Isotopes

    Atoms with an unstable nucleus that Chien-Shiung Wu helped create and study in her nuclear physics work.

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    Nobel Prize Winners

    Wu's work confirmed the theory of Lee and Yang, who received a Nobel Prize for their contributions in 1957.

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    Study Notes

    Chien-Shiung Wu: A Nuclear Physicist

    • Chinese-American physicist, trailblazer in science
    • Earned PhD in nuclear physics from University of California, Berkeley in 1940
    • Worked on Manhattan Project (atomic bomb), University of Columbia, developing radiation detectors and Geiger counters
    • Her experiment in 1956 disproved the "conservation of parity" as a universal, fundamental law of physics
    • This work helped secure a Nobel Prize for other physicists
    • First female president of American Physical Society
    • Received National Medal of Science in 1975

    Key Dates and Events

    • 1912-1997: Lifetime of Chien-Shiung Wu
    • 1936: Enrolled at University of California, Berkeley
    • 1940: Earned PhD in nuclear physics
    • 1944: Moved to Columbia University for Manhattan Project
    • 1956: Conducted experiment disproving universal nature of conservation of parity
    • 1957: Cited quote about a lifetime of reward
    • 1975: Received National Medal of Science
    • First female president of American Physical Society

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    Description

    Explore the life and achievements of Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese-American physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics. This quiz covers her groundbreaking experiments, her role in the Manhattan Project, and her historic presidency in the American Physical Society. Test your knowledge of her key milestones and impact on science.

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