What type of plant matter was the main component of coal, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Ferns
- Mosses
- Algae
- Pine trees
Correct Answer: Ferns
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that coal was formed from decaying plant matter, primarily ferns, which thrived in swampy environments millions of years ago.
What is the name of the valuable mineral that is mixed with mercury to create an amalgam in the gold and silver mining process?
- Quartz
- Chalcopyrite
- Galena
- Bauxite
Correct Answer: Quartz
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) details how gold and silver miners use mercury to create an amalgam, a mixture of the precious metal with mercury. This was a common practice in the early 20th century.
Which of these is NOT a main ingredient used in the process of making concrete, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Portland Cement
- Sand
- Aggregate
- Water
Correct Answer: Water
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) highlights the key ingredients for concrete, including Portland Cement, sand, and aggregate (broken stone or gravel). Water is crucial in the mixing process but not specifically listed as a main ingredient.
What did the use of electricity in the early 1900s do to the demand for copper?
- Increased it
- Decreased it
- Had no impact
- Made copper obsolete
Correct Answer: Increased it
Correct Answer Explanation: As explained in the text, the widespread adoption of electricity in the early 20th century fueled the need for copper for electrical wiring and related applications, leading to a surge in demand.
What was the name of the famous silver mine in Nevada that was described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- The Comstock Lode
- The Mother Lode
- The Homestake Mine
- The Klondike Gold Rush
Correct Answer: The Comstock Lode
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) discusses the historical significance and challenges of mining on the Comstock Lode, a renowned silver deposit in Nevada.
What was the primary ore source of aluminum, as explained in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Iron ore
- Bauxite
- Hematite
- Galena
Correct Answer: Bauxite
Correct Answer Explanation: As explained in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916), bauxite is the primary ore source for aluminum.
Which type of coal, according to “Diggers in the Earth” (1916), burns with a glow but not a blaze?
- Bituminous Coal
- Anthracite Coal
- Lignite
- Peat
Correct Answer: Anthracite Coal
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) differentiates between various coal types, highlighting that anthracite coal burns with a glowing ember rather than a bright flame.
What was the main reason why native copper was used for tools and weapons by indigenous populations in North America, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Its abundance in the region
- Its ease of shaping and working
- Its superior strength compared to other metals
- Its resistance to corrosion
Correct Answer: Its abundance in the region
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that Native Americans in North America utilized readily available native copper, found in abundance in areas like northern Michigan, for creating tools and weapons.
How did the Hall-Héroult process, described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916), impact the cost of aluminum production?
- It significantly increased the cost
- It had little impact on the cost
- It significantly reduced the cost
- It made aluminum production impossible
Correct Answer: It significantly reduced the cost
Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that the Hall-Héroult process was a breakthrough in aluminum production, leading to a substantial decrease in the cost of aluminum, making it more widely available.
Which method of extracting gold, according to “Diggers in the Earth” (1916), involved directing water at high pressure against a hillside?
- Panning
- Hydraulic Mining
- Dredging
- Placer mining
Correct Answer: Hydraulic Mining
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes hydraulic mining, a method used to extract gold that involves using high-pressure water jets to erode hillsides and expose gold-bearing deposits.
What was the main use of kerosene, a petroleum product, described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Fuel for automobiles
- Fuel for airplanes
- Fuel for lamps
- Fuel for power plants
Correct Answer: Fuel for lamps
Correct Answer Explanation: As the text details, kerosene was a significant petroleum product used as fuel for lamps in the early 20th century.
What was the primary source of salt for production, as explained in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Salt mines
- Salt springs
- Ocean water
- Rock salt deposits
Correct Answer: Ocean water
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) highlights that ocean water is a primary source of salt for production, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s salt supply.
What was the unique feature of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, discussed in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- It was the largest salt mine in the world
- It had underground structures carved from salt
- It produced the purest salt in the world
- It was located in the United States
Correct Answer: It had underground structures carved from salt
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes the Wieliczka Salt Mine as an exceptional example of a mine with intricate underground structures carved out of solid salt.
What was a key factor in the increased production of petroleum in the early 1900s, as discussed in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- The invention of the electric car
- The development of pipelines
- The discovery of new oil fields
- The increased demand for kerosene
Correct Answer: The development of pipelines
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights that the development of pipelines in the early 1900s played a crucial role in facilitating the efficient transportation of petroleum, leading to increased production.
What is the name of the worthless rock that surrounds valuable minerals in a vein, as discussed in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Ore
- Gangue
- Matrix
- Smelting
Correct Answer: Gangue
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) uses the term “gangue” to refer to the surrounding worthless rock that needs to be separated from valuable minerals in a vein.
What was the approximate amount of gold and silver produced by the Comstock Lode in Nevada between 1860 and 1890, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- $10 million
- $100 million
- $340 million
- $1 billion
Correct Answer: $340 million
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) provides a statistic indicating that the Comstock Lode in Nevada yielded over $340 million worth of gold and silver during its productive years.
Which of these was NOT a challenge faced by miners in the Comstock Lode, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Cave-ins
- Water
- Heat
- Earthquakes
Correct Answer: Earthquakes
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) details the challenges of mining on the Comstock Lode, including cave-ins, water infiltration, and extreme heat. Earthquakes are not specifically mentioned as a primary challenge.
What was the approximate weight of the Ontonagon Boulder, a massive piece of native copper, mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 100 pounds
- 1,000 pounds
- 3,000 pounds
- 10,000 pounds
Correct Answer: 3,000 pounds
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions the Ontonagon Boulder, a massive piece of native copper, as weighing over three tons, which translates to roughly 6,000 pounds.
What was the typical capacity of a modern copper stamp mill in the early 1900s, as explained in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 100 tons of ore per day
- 500 tons of ore per day
- 1,000 tons of ore per day
- 5,000 tons of ore per day
Correct Answer: 500 tons of ore per day
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions that modern copper stamp mills in the early 20th century could crush up to 500 tons of ore per day.
What byproduct could be captured from roasting copper ore and used to produce sulphuric acid, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Fumes
- Slag
- Mercury
- Bauxite
Correct Answer: Fumes
Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that fumes produced during the roasting of copper ore could be captured and utilized to create sulphuric acid, highlighting a resourceful aspect of the process.
What was the approximate reduction in the cost of aluminum production due to the development of the Hall-Héroult process, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- From $12 to $1 per pound
- From $12 to $0.18 per pound
- From $100 to $1 per pound
- From $100 to $0.18 per pound
Correct Answer: From $12 to $0.18 per pound
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) highlights that the Hall-Héroult process significantly reduced the cost of aluminum production from a hefty $12 per pound to a much lower 18 cents per pound.
What was the peak daily production of the Lakeview Gusher in California, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 5,000 barrels of oil
- 10,000 barrels of oil
- 25,000 barrels of oil
- 50,000 barrels of oil
Correct Answer: 50,000 barrels of oil
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions that the Lakeview Gusher in California reached a peak daily production of 50,000 barrels of oil.
What was the approximate amount of salt produced in the United States in 1913, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 5 million barrels
- 10 million barrels
- 34 million barrels
- 50 million barrels
Correct Answer: 34 million barrels
Correct Answer Explanation: The text provides a statistic indicating that the United States produced over 34 million barrels of salt in 1913.
Compared to ocean water, what was the salinity of the water in Great Salt Lake, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Less salty
- More salty
- The same salinity
- No information is given
Correct Answer: More salty
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions that the water in Great Salt Lake is significantly saltier than ocean water.
What was the approximate area covered by the Salton salt fields in California, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 100 acres
- 500 acres
- 1,000 acres
- 5,000 acres
Correct Answer: 1,000 acres
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions that the Salton salt fields in California span over 1,000 acres.
What was the estimated thickness of the rock salt stratum located beneath the surface in Michigan, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- 10 to 50 feet
- 30 to 250 feet
- 500 to 1,000 feet
- 1,000 to 2,000 feet
Correct Answer: 30 to 250 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes a rock salt stratum in Michigan as being between 30 and 250 feet thick and located at a depth of 1,500 to 2,000 feet below the surface.
What type of coal was described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) as being dull, smutty, and containing more bitumen or mineral pitch?
- Anthracite Coal
- Bituminous Coal
- Lignite
- Peat
Correct Answer: Bituminous Coal
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes bituminous coal as a type of coal that is dull, smutty, and contains a higher percentage of bitumen or mineral pitch.
What was a common by-product produced during smelting operations, as mentioned in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Gangue
- Amalgam
- Scoria
- Cryolite
Correct Answer: Scoria
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes scoria as slag or waste material that is a common byproduct of smelting operations.
What was the name of the mineral that melts easily and can dissolve alumina, used in the production of aluminum, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Bauxite
- Cryolite
- Hematite
- Galena
Correct Answer: Cryolite
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions cryolite as a mineral that melts readily and has the property of dissolving alumina, making it crucial in the production of aluminum.
What is a solution of salt in water, often extracted from underground formations or salt springs, as discussed in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Brine
- Scoria
- Gangue
- Amalgam
Correct Answer: Brine
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes brine as a solution of salt in water, a common source for salt extraction from underground formations and salt springs.
What is the name of the process in which iron is extracted from ore through the use of blast furnaces?
- Smelting
- Refining
- Crushing
- Amalgamation
Correct Answer: Smelting
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that the process of extracting iron from ore using blast furnaces is referred to as smelting.
Which of these is NOT a method used to extract or process silver, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Crushing
- Amalgamation
- Smelting
- Panning
Correct Answer: Panning
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes various methods used to extract and process silver, including crushing, amalgamation, and smelting. Panning is a method primarily used for gold extraction.
In the context of coal mining, what is the name of the lamp used to provide light and prevent explosions caused by methane gas?
- Safety lamp
- Carbide lamp
- Kerosene lamp
- Electric lamp
Correct Answer: Safety lamp
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) discusses the use of safety lamps in coal mines, highlighting their importance for illumination and preventing explosions triggered by the presence of methane gas.
What is the name of the process by which crude petroleum is transformed into various products, such as kerosene, gasoline, and paraffin?
- Refining
- Cracking
- Fractional distillation
- Smelting
Correct Answer: Refining
Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that refining is the process used to transform crude petroleum into various useful products like kerosene, gasoline, and paraffin.
What is the name of the process in which gold is separated from other minerals using mercury to create an amalgam?
- Amalgamation
- Smelting
- Refining
- Crushing
Correct Answer: Amalgamation
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes the process of amalgamation, where gold is separated from other minerals using mercury to form an amalgam, which is then processed further.
What is the name of the rock formed from the evaporation of ancient seas that is a major source of salt?
- Rock salt
- Halite
- Gypsum
- Limestone
Correct Answer: Rock salt
Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that rock salt, formed through the evaporation of ancient seas, is a significant source of salt for various purposes.
What is the primary process used to extract salt from seawater?
- Mining
- Evaporation
- Refining
- Smelting
Correct Answer: Evaporation
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes that evaporation is the primary method used to extract salt from seawater.
What is the name of the process in which the molten iron is released from the blast furnace?
- Tapping
- Smelting
- Refining
- Crushing
Correct Answer: Tapping
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the process of releasing molten iron from the blast furnace is known as “tapping.”
What is the main reason why salt is important in our diet?
- It adds flavor to food
- It helps preserve food
- It is a source of essential minerals
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The text highlights that salt plays a vital role in our diet for various reasons, including adding flavor, preserving food, and providing essential minerals.
What is the name of the method of extracting gold in which gold-bearing gravel is scooped into a cradle and shaken to separate the gold?
- Panning
- Cradling
- Hydraulic mining
- Dredging
Correct Answer: Cradling
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes cradling as a gold extraction method where gold-bearing gravel is scooped into a cradle and shaken to separate the heavier gold particles.
Which of these is NOT a method of extracting gold from quartz veins?
- Crushing
- Amalgamation
- Panning
- Cyanide process
Correct Answer: Panning
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions methods like crushing, amalgamation, and the cyanide process for extracting gold from quartz veins. Panning is more relevant for placer deposits.
What is the name of the method of extracting gold that involves using a large, floating machine with buckets to dredge up gold-bearing sediment?
- Dredging
- Panning
- Hydraulic mining
- Cradling
Correct Answer: Dredging
Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes dredging as a method of gold extraction that uses a large, floating machine with buckets to scoop up and process gold-bearing sediment.
What is the name of the primary ingredient used in the process of brickmaking?
- Clay
- Sand
- Gravel
- Cement
Correct Answer: Clay
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that clay is the main ingredient used in brickmaking, giving it its unique properties.
What is the name of the process in which bricks are dried and hardened by heating them in a kiln?
- Firing
- Tempering
- Molding
- Glazing
Correct Answer: Firing
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that firing is the process of drying and hardening bricks by heating them in a kiln to reach the desired level of hardness.
Which of these is NOT a type of brick, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Common brick
- Face brick
- Fire brick
- Concrete brick
Correct Answer: Concrete brick
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes different types of bricks, including common brick, face brick, and fire brick. Concrete bricks are a separate category of building material not discussed.
Which of these is NOT a method used to extract granite from quarries?
- Blasting
- Drilling
- Splitting
- Panning
Correct Answer: Panning
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that granite is extracted from quarries using methods like blasting, drilling, and splitting. Panning is a method used for gold extraction.
What is the name of the method used to split large blocks of granite using wedges and hammers, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Plug and feather
- Blasting
- Drilling
- Cradling
Correct Answer: Plug and feather
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions the “plug-and-feather” method as a technique for splitting large blocks of granite using wedges and hammers.
What is the name of the mineral that is prone to tarnishing because it reacts with sulfur, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Gold
- Silver
- Copper
- Aluminum
Correct Answer: Silver
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that silver readily reacts with sulfur, causing it to tarnish and form a black sulfide.
What is the name of the process in which iron is transformed into steel?
- Smelting
- Refining
- Bessemer process
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes that the transformation of iron into steel involves a combination of processes, including smelting, refining, and the Bessemer process.
Which of these is NOT a property of aluminum, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Resistant to corrosion
- Highly conductive
Correct Answer: Highly conductive
Correct Answer Explanation: While aluminum is known for its lightweight, strength, and resistance to corrosion, it is not as highly conductive as copper.
What is the name of the process in which a mixture of mercury and a precious metal, such as gold or silver, is heated to separate the mercury?
- Smelting
- Refining
- Amalgamation
- Crushing
Correct Answer: Refining
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the process of separating mercury from an amalgam, a mixture of mercury and a precious metal, is referred to as refining.
Which of these is NOT a use of copper, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Electrical wiring
- Alloys like brass and bronze
- Construction materials
- Jewelry
Correct Answer: Construction materials
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) discusses various uses of copper, including electrical wiring, alloys like brass and bronze, and jewelry. Copper is less commonly used as a primary construction material.
What is the name of the process used to extract petroleum from sandstone formations?
- Drilling
- Refining
- Smelting
- Crushing
Correct Answer: Drilling
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) explains that petroleum is extracted from underground formations through a process called drilling, which involves creating wells to access the oil deposits.
What is the name of the process in which the raw petroleum is heated and separated into different components based on their boiling points?
- Fractional distillation
- Refining
- Smelting
- Crushing
Correct Answer: Fractional distillation
Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes fractional distillation as a process used in petroleum refining, where the raw petroleum is heated and separated into different components based on their boiling points, creating various products like kerosene, gasoline, and paraffin.
What is the name of the process used to remove impurities from iron ore, which involves heating the ore in a furnace?
- Smelting
- Refining
- Crushing
- Amalgamation
Correct Answer: Refining
Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that refining is the process of removing impurities from iron ore through heating in a furnace, preparing it for further processing.
What is the name of the process in which bricks are made from clay that is mixed with water and then shaped?
- Tempering
- Firing
- Molding
- Glazing
Correct Answer: Tempering
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes tempering as the process where clay used for brickmaking is mixed with water and then shaped, preparing it for the firing stage.
Which of these is NOT a type of coal, as described in “Diggers in the Earth” (1916)?
- Bituminous Coal
- Anthracite Coal
- Lignite
- Graphite
Correct Answer: Graphite
Correct Answer Explanation: “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) mentions different types of coal, including bituminous coal, anthracite coal, and lignite. Graphite is a form of carbon but is not categorized as a type of coal.
What is the name of the process in which a substance is heated to a very high temperature to extract its metallic components?
- Smelting
- Refining
- Crushing
- Amalgamation
Correct Answer: Smelting
Correct Answer Explanation: The text explains that smelting is the process of heating a substance to extremely high temperatures to extract its metallic components, commonly used in the production of metals like iron, copper, and aluminum.
Which of these is NOT a method used to extract gold?
- Panning
- Cradling
- Hydraulic mining
- Blasting
Correct Answer: Blasting
Correct Answer Explanation: The book “Diggers in the Earth” (1916) describes various methods of extracting gold, including panning, cradling, and hydraulic mining. Blasting is a technique more commonly used for extracting granite or other rock materials.