The statement “If you feel that you are trapped in a black hole, do not give up. There is a way out.” was made by which of the following famous scientists?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Stephen Hawking

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Inspirational quotations from scientists are often used to highlight both their scientific insights and their broader messages about hope and perseverance. The statement about being trapped in a black hole but still having a way out reflects deep thinking about black hole physics as well as an encouraging attitude toward life's difficulties. This question asks you to remember which scientist made this famous remark, connecting general knowledge of notable scientists with basic awareness of black hole research.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The quotation refers to feeling trapped in a black hole and encourages people not to give up.
  • Black holes are strongly associated with modern theoretical physics and cosmology.
  • The options include Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, C. V. Raman and Abdus Salam.
  • Only one of these scientists is widely known for detailed work on black holes and for making such public statements.


Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to associate each scientist with their primary field of contribution. Albert Einstein developed the general theory of relativity which predicts black holes, but he was not known for making popular motivational remarks specifically about them. Stephen Hawking, on the other hand, became famous for his work on black hole radiation and for public lectures and books that translate complex ideas into accessible language. C. V. Raman was an Indian physicist best known for the Raman effect in optics. Abdus Salam was a theoretical physicist who worked on electroweak unification. Among these, Stephen Hawking clearly matches both the subject matter and the style of the quotation.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Connect the term black hole to the scientist most closely linked to black hole research in public awareness. This is Stephen Hawking, who studied black hole thermodynamics and Hawking radiation. Step 2: Consider the tone of the statement. It is both scientifically inspired and personally motivational, a style often found in Hawking's public talks and books. Step 3: Evaluate Albert Einstein. Although he laid the foundations for black hole theory, he rarely used black hole imagery in popular motivational quotes of this nature. Step 4: Evaluate C. V. Raman and Abdus Salam. Both were distinguished physicists, but neither is particularly associated with black hole imagery in popular culture or with making such statements about hope and escape from black holes. Step 5: Conclude that Stephen Hawking is the scientist who made this quotation.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this answer by recalling that Stephen Hawking frequently used black hole metaphors to discuss human resilience and the importance of not giving up despite disability or adversity. In interviews and public lectures, he spoke about how even black holes are not entirely black and that information can escape, drawing a parallel with personal challenges. None of the other listed scientists are known for such public use of black hole imagery as a metaphor for life. Therefore, this match between subject matter, style and the scientist's public persona confirms that the quotation belongs to Hawking.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Albert Einstein: Although he pioneered general relativity, he did not build his public image around black hole metaphors in the way described here.
  • C. V. Raman: He is celebrated for his discovery in optics and for work in solid state physics, not for commentary on black holes.
  • Abdus Salam: Known for his contributions to electroweak theory, he is also not associated with widely quoted statements about black holes and hope.


Common Pitfalls:
A frequent pitfall is to pick Albert Einstein because many students automatically associate any famous physics quotation with him. Another mistake is to ignore the specific reference to black holes and focus only on the inspirational tone, which could seem generic. To avoid such errors, it is important to connect the scientific content of the quote with the main field of the scientist's research and public engagements. In this case, that connection clearly points to Hawking.


Final Answer:
The quotation about not giving up when you feel trapped in a black hole was made by Stephen Hawking.

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