Foundation Seminar 091-22 Problem Set #3

Due September 26, 2:30 pm.

In order to do this assignment you need to read:

"Flowers for Algernon", Daniel Keyes in "Science Fiction Hall of Fame".
Chapters 10-12 in "Billions and Billions" by Carl Sagan.
The two handouts from September 19.

Every claim made in your work should be referenced if it is not original. Everything that's not referenced is considered to be original. I DO expect 40-80% of the HW to be original. I also expect answers to quantitative questions (question #2) to come in the following format: One paragraph of introduction, a few sentences describing the method you will use to prove your thesis, a few sentences describing the results of using your method, a few sentences analyzing those results, and a conclusion. (The IMRAD method).

Problem #1: According to chapter 10 in Sagan's book and the two handouts chlorine is the main reason that the Ozone layer is being depleted. Argue that chlorine from ocean waters (in the salt - Na-Cl molecule) is NOT responsible for the ozone destruction. (Hint: How much free chlorine is there above the ocean? How long does the chlorine stay as a separate atom? How long does it take to get to the ozone layer, ~25 km height).

Problem #2: In "Flowers for Algernon" Charlie is endowed with outstanding intelligence. Algernon is also endowed with outstanding intelligence. What is the role of the mouse in the construction of the story?

Problem #3: What is the message to scientists in the story "Flowers for Algernon"?