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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 6, Nothing but Music, The Essentials of Superstring Theory.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Two theories form the basis of modern physics, but are incompatible with one another. String theory attempts to reconcile these fields. What are these two theories?
(a) General relativity and quantum mechanics.
(b) General relativity and special relativity.
(c) Gravity and general relativity.
(d) Quantum mechanics and the photoelectric effect.

2. Which of the following correctly describes the structure of an atom?
(a) A cloud of electrons orbiting a dense nucleus.
(b) A cloud of protons, each with an electron orbiting it.
(c) A cloud of neutrons orbiting a nucleus of other particles.
(d) A single nucleus composed of both electrons and protons.

3. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, if two objects have a gravitational pull on one another, and one changes its mass or distance from the other, how quickly does the effect of this change travel to the other object?
(a) Near the speed of light, faster for lighter objects.
(b) At exactly the speed of light.
(c) Near the speed of light, faster for more massive objects.
(d) Instantaneously.

4. What is the quantum, or messenger particle, of gravity?
(a) The graviton.
(b) The Calabi-Yau particle.
(c) The gravino.
(d) The Einstein boson.

5. What property did the double-slit experiment demonstrate that light has?
(a) It can be bent by gravity fields.
(b) It behaves as a wave.
(c) It has an infinite number of possible frequencies.
(d) It has a finite energy level at all frequencies.

Short Answer Questions

1. The wave-like nature of the electron means that after a collision, _____.

2. Which of the follow is true of objects with which string theory is concerned?

3. According to special relativity, which of the following is true about the passage of time for an observer moving near the speed of light?

4. What is the quantum, or messenger particle, of the weak force?

5. What discovery about string theory triggered the "superstring revolution"?

(see the answer key)

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