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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4, Microscopic Weirdness.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 more massive objects.
(b) Instantaneously.
(c) At exactly the speed of light.
(d) Near the speed of light, faster for lighter objects.

2. According to special relativity, which of the following is true about the passage of time for an observer moving near the speed of light?
(a) No time would pass at all.
(b) Time would pass slowly compared to an observer at rest.
(c) The passage of time could not be predicted.
(d) Time would pass very quickly compared to an observer at rest.

3. Einstein's equation, E=mc^2, states that which of the following are equivalent?
(a) Light and magnetism.
(b) Electricity and magnetism.
(c) Energy and mass.
(d) Energy and light.

4. What are the components of an atomic nucleus?
(a) Protons and neutrons.
(b) Photons and electrons.
(c) Electrons and neutrons.
(d) Protons and electrons.

5. When the distance between two objects is doubled, what happens to the strength of the gravitational pull between them?
(a) It diminishes to one-half its original value.
(b) It is unchanged.
(c) It quadruples.
(d) It diminishes to one-fourth its original value.

Short Answer Questions

1. Richard Feynman's "sum over paths" theory states that in the double-slit experiment, an electron behaves in what way?

2. Quantum physics began with the study of the energy inside a heated, closed container, such as an oven. The problem with theories at the time was that they predicted that _____.

3. Which physicist is credited with discovering that light is composed of particles?

4. What is the result when a particle of matter and a particle of antimatter are brought into contact?

5. The smallest possible unit of energy is referred to as _____.

(see the answer key)

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