In 1997, 39 Members of the Heaven's Gate Community Committed

question 103

Multiple Choice

In 1997, 39 members of the Heaven's Gate community committed suicide, believing that

• A) they had a terminal disease.
• B) God was calling them home.
• C) a spaceship was waiting for them.
• D) they were sinful and deserved to die.

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Definitions:

Dissolve Glass

A chemical process in which certain substances, such as hydrofluoric acid, react with silicate glasses to dissolve them.

Common Name

Refers to the name by which a substance, object, or species is known to the general public, as opposed to its scientific or technical name.

NaOH

Sodium hydroxide, a highly caustic metallic base and alkali salt commonly used in many industries, notably in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and detergents.

Saponification

The chemical reaction between a fat or oil and a base, resulting in the formation of glycerol and soap, usually sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids.