Exercises
I. Word-study.
Find the English equivalents for the following Russian phrases:
II. Comprehension check-up.
1) Make up 10 questions to the text and ask your partner to answer them.
2) Spot the mistakes.
a)
b)
c)
d)
III. Review the text.
I.V. Kurchatov (1903-1960)
I.V.
Kurchatov was born on January 12, 1903, in the Urals. Having
graduated
from
the University of the Crimea he was soon engaged in research. In 1925
he started
his scientific career
in the Leningrad Physico-Teclmical Institute under
academician
A.F.
Yoffe.
Up to 1933 he carried
out experimental
and dielectrics,
particularly on the properties
of Rochelle salt.
He was the first to give a mathematical theory of ferroelectricity,
basing his approach
on line theory of ferromagnetism.
His many researches
on tins subject were summarized
in a book published
in 1933. Kurchatov did not confine
himself to pure laboratoiy research in the field
of dielectrics.
He realized
that some phenomena he observed could have important technical
applications
and having attracted
a number of prominent
engineers he worked out, with his characteristic
energy, the measures required
for an industrial use of ferroelectrics. There is hardly
any need to mention
how widely they are used nowadays.
Kurchatov’s unclear physics work began in 1930’s. His work quickly yielded results and in 1932 he made some important discoveries in the field of artificial radioisotopes. In 1935 Kurchatov achieved a world reputation with the publication of a book on the problems of the atom. Three years later he was made director of the Nuclear Physics Laboratory of the Leningrad Institute. He and his fellow research workers1 concentrated on the development of cyclotrons and during his time at the Laboratory he supervised the building of the first two Soviet cyclotrons. One year after he was made director of the Nuclear Physics Laboratory his research group published some of the earliest theoretical studies of the nuclear chain reaction. In 1940 Kurchatov's group was the first to announce that uranium fissions spontaneously. During the Second World War Kurchatov used his energy and experience for the defence of the country.
Having returned to nuclear research Kurchatov soon became the scientific head of all Soviet research concerned with the use of unclear power. Kurchatov persistently worked in developing and perfecting atomic and hydrogen weapons in order to strengthen the defence of the country. The first Soviet nuclear reactors were constructed under his guidance and with his direct participation. It is well known that Kurchatov's efforts in this field met with a complete success. At the some time Kurchatov strove to extend the scope of research concerned with the peaceful uses of nuclear power. Using his experience and knowledge he actively contributed to the construction of the worlds first industrial nuclear power plant. Despite his enormous scientific engagements Kurchatov found tune for active social activities. He strove to establish peace and friendship between the peoples of the world and actively worked for establishing the international collaboration of scientists.
Kurchatov was very popular with the Soviet people and was repeatedly elected a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Up lo his death in 1960 Kurchatov permanently headed the Institute of Atomic Power which he had founded. The Soviet government highly valued his exceptional qualities and awarded him all highest orders of the country. The Academy of Sciences elected him as a member of 1943.