The Life and Work of Marie Curie

Marie Curie is celebrated as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, Curie is renowned for her pioneering research in radioactivity, a term she coined. Alongside her husband, Pierre Curie, she discovered the elements polonium and radium, and her work laid the foundation for future research in nuclear physics and chemistry. In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911.

From a young age, Marie displayed an exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics. Despite facing significant barriers due to her gender, she pursued her education with determination. She moved to Paris in 1891 to study at the University of Paris, where she earned degrees in physics and mathematics. It was there she met Pierre Curie, and they married in 1895, forming a powerful scientific partnership.

The Curies’ research on radioactivity began in the late 1890s. Marie Curie’s meticulous experiments demonstrated that radioactivity was an atomic property, not the result of a chemical reaction. This discovery was revolutionary and challenged existing scientific beliefs. In 1898, the Curies announced the discovery of two new elements: polonium, named after Marie’s homeland, and radium. Their work involved isolating radium salts from pitchblende ore, a laborious and hazardous process.

Marie Curie’s achievements in science were matched by her contributions to medicine. During World War I, she developed mobile radiography units, known as “Little Curies,” which were used to diagnose injuries in field hospitals. She also trained other women to operate these machines, significantly advancing medical treatment during the war.

Despite her scientific successes, Curie faced considerable challenges, including health issues caused by prolonged exposure to radioactive materials. Nevertheless, she continued her research and was the first woman to win two Nobel Prizes. Her legacy endures through the Curie Institutes in Paris and Warsaw, which remain leading centers of medical research.

Curie’s later years were marked by continued scientific research and public service. She traveled extensively, promoting scientific education and the peaceful use of radioactivity. Her contributions to science and her perseverance in the face of adversity have made her a lasting symbol of scientific achievement and resilience. Marie Curie died in 1934 from aplastic anemia, a condition believed to have been caused by her exposure to high levels of radiation.

Questions 1-3: Identifying Information

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet, write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information FALSE if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Marie Curie was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields.
2. Marie Curie developed mobile radiography units during World War I.
3. Marie Curie discovered the element uranium.

Answers:

1. TRUE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE

Table Completion

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 4-7 on your answer sheet.

Answer: 4. World War I

Passage Questions:

1. What were the two elements discovered by Marie Curie?
   • A) Uranium and thorium
   • B) Radium and uranium
   • C) Polonium and radium
   • D) Polonium and thorium
2. Why did Marie Curie move to Paris?
   • A) To work with Pierre Curie
   • B) To escape political turmoil in Poland
   • C) To study at the University of Paris
   • D) To teach at a local school
3. How did Marie Curie contribute to medical treatment during World War I?
   • A) By developing vaccines
   • B) By training nurses
   • C) By inventing X-ray machines
   • D) By developing mobile radiography units

Answers:

1. C) Polonium and radium
2. C) To study at the University of Paris
3. D) By developing mobile radiography units

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