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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are the fluctuations that quantum physics predicts not observable in everyday life?

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

3. The advent of fermionic vibrational patterns resulted in the creation of _____.

4. According to general relativity, which of the following is said to warp or bend space-time?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Einstein's theory for the photoelectric effect, what is the relationship between the frequency of light and the electrons ejected by the metal?

2. What is the relationship between light, electricity, and magnetism?

3. What is the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and a wave's minimum energy?

4. What are the messenger particles of the strong and weak force, and what function do they perform?

5. Describe a black hole, including some of its physical properties and methods by which it can be detected.

6. What are strings composed of?

7. Describe the structure of an atom.

8. Describe and explain the results of the two-slit experiment.

9. Describe the basic principles of string theory.

10. What are some of the difficulties in confirming string theory experimentally?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Extra Dimensions

It turns out that string theory depends upon the existence of six extra dimensions. This is a seemingly impossible proposition, but it is in fact entirely reasonable for our universe to have extra dimensions of which we are not aware. This is a feature almost unique to string theory, and it has important implications.

Part 1) Describe the history of theories of extra dimensions, particularly the Kaluza-Klein theory. What important things did these theories achieve, and why were these theories abandoned? Why does string theory require these dimensions?

Part 2) Explain what is meant by extra dimensions. How does our world interface with these dimensions, and why can we not observe them in everyday life? Provide examples that illustrate how small dimensions work, and why they can go unnoticed.

Part 3) Why are extra dimensions important in the field of string theory? Do their number, size, and shape have any importance or are they arbitrary? How many dimensions does string theory predict, and is it possible for one or more dimensions to be an extra dimension of time?

Essay Topic 2

A Cosmic Anomaly

Until a few years ago, concepts like "tears" in the fabric of space-time were purely science fiction. However, string theory has shown that these occurrences are possible. Part 1) Explain the concept of a tear in space-time. What does this tear represent, and how would it interact with its surroundings.

Part 2) Describe the discovery of space-tearing flop transitions. Describe conifold transitions. How and why do these transitions occur? How are the dangers of these tears prevented?

Part 3) It is possible that these kinds of tears could be created and manipulated at will. What are the possible uses and applications of these tears? Would their use be conscionable, given their apparent danger?

Essay Topic 3

Strung Along

String theory is one of the most important physical theories of this century, and it has a mottled and unusual history. String theory has progressed in fits and starts since its strange inception, experiencing periods of boom and bust, but always moving forward. Part 1) Describe the early history of string theory, beginning with the accidental discovery by Gabriele Veneziano, up through the work of Schwarz and Scherk.

Part 2) Detail the history of the first and second "superstring revolutions". What set off these periods of intense study, what was achieved, and how did they end?

Part 3) Speculate why string theory has suffered periodic declines in the physics community. Use evidence from the book, or outside research to support your claims.

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