View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What metric best approximates the scales at which extra dimensions would have a major impact?
(a) The Kaluza length.
(b) The nanometer.
(c) The Planck length.
(d) One-billionth of a meter.

2. In what important way does string theory affect the cosmological model of the big bang?
(a) The universe started at a certain minimum size.
(b) The universe is infinite, but has no boundaries.
(c) The big bang created strings, not particles.
(d) The big bang could have created multiple universes.

3. When the universe is at its smallest possible size, which other property is also at its maximum?
(a) Its temperature.
(b) The string coupling constant.
(c) The Planck tension.
(d) The cosmological constant.

4. By what factor is the minimum mass of a wrapped string in determined?
(a) The string's Planck tension.
(b) The size of the circular dimension it is wrapped around.
(c) The vacuum energy of the dimension it is wrapped around.
(d) The string's winding number.

5. How does the shape of the extra "curled up" dimensions affect the vibration of strings?
(a) The shape determines what types of vibrations are possible.
(b) Only the wavelength of the vibration is affected.
(c) The shape does not affect the vibrational patterns.
(d) Only the total energy of the vibration is affected.

Short Answer Questions

1. Regarding mirror-symmetry, Greene's work proved that _____.

2. Which of the following is NOT a property that is used to define both black holes and elementary particles?

3. Which of the following is one of the difficulties in observing super particles?

4. About how long after the big bang were stars formed?

5. What did Stephen Hawking prove regarding black holes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are superparticles important to string theory, and how has research into these particles affected the field of string theory?

2. What is the horizon problem in cosmology? How was it resolved?

3. Describe the state of the universe's expansion, including what its ultimate fate might be.

4. Describe the phenomenon of winding in string theory.

5. Describe the history of space-time tears in physics.

6. What is the string-coupling constant, and why is it important?

7. What is the major difference between the big bang with and without string theory?

8. Are the extra-dimensions demanded by string theory, space or time dimensions? How are those dimensions experienced in everyday life?

9. Describe Kaluza-Klein theory.

10. Describe the difficulties in studying the entropy of a black hole.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,006 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample