Arthur Ashkin — Questions and answers

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What special tool did Arthur Ashkin win the Nobel Prize for?

Choices

  1. A. A new kind of super strong magnet
  2. B. Regular tweezers that are very small
  3. C. Optical tweezers that use light to move tiny things ✓
  4. D. A telescope that can see faraway stars

Answer: C. Optical tweezers that use light to move tiny things

From page 1

What was Arthur Ashkin's clever idea for trapping tiny particles?

Choices

  1. A. He used strong glue to hold them.
  2. B. He made a tiny box for them.
  3. C. He used focused laser beams to create a light 'valley' or trap. ✓
  4. D. He blew air very gently at them.

Answer: C. He used focused laser beams to create a light 'valley' or trap.

From page 4

What important message does Arthur Ashkin's Nobel Prize-winning work teach us?

Choices

  1. A. Only big and strong forces can change the world.
  2. B. It's best to stop asking questions once you learn something new.
  3. C. Even small forces, with curiosity and cleverness, can lead to amazing discoveries. ✓
  4. D. Winning prizes is more important than understanding the world.

Answer: C. Even small forces, with curiosity and cleverness, can lead to amazing discoveries.

From page 10