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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. There are many possible Calabi-Yau spaces, but only shapes with which of the following characteristics are considered real possibilities?

2. According to string theory, which of the following cannot occur during the collapse of the universe?

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

4. Tears in space-time are technically termed _____.

5. What is one possible way that the three dimensions we observe could have been "stretched out"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the origin of M-theory, and what are its basic characteristics?

2. Describe the big bang according to string theory.

3. What did Morrison and Greene discover together, and why is it important?

4. Describe the entire process of a conifold transition.

5. What is the strong-weak duality?

6. What is mirror symmetry, and what is its relevance to string theory?

7. What is the Calabi-Yau space?

8. In the context of the big bang, what is symmetry breaking?

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

10. Describe Kaluza-Klein theory.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Conflict of the Century

Between quantum mechanics and general relativity, almost any phenomenon in the universe can be explained and understood, but for physicists, this is not enough. It has long been known that these theories conflict with one another, and that therefore, neither of them can be exactly correct. The search for a single unifying theory that can reconcile these two branches of science is ongoing. String theory is just one of the many solutions that has been suggested, but it has lasted the longest and sustained the most scrutiny.

Part 1) Describe the conflicts between quantum mechanics and general relativity. How and where do these theories become mutually incomprehensible? Provide as many examples of these conflicts as possible.

Part 2) Research and describe some of the efforts to unify these fields, apart from string theory. How are these problems approached, and how successful have these theories been?

Part 3) Describe string theory's approach to resolving these conflicts. How does this approach differ from the others discussed above, and how successful has string theory been compared with these others?

Essay Topic 2

The Two-Slit Enigma

The two-slit experiment is so famous as to be ubiquitous in modern physics. It succinctly illustrates the wave-nature of particles and the very mysterious interference that these particles experience even when there are no other waves to interact with. Perform a short research project on the two-slit experiment, using the book as a starting point, and citing at least two other sources.

Part 1) Describe the history of the experiment, including the original motivation for performing it, and variations that have been performed since.

Part 2) Describe in detail the results of the experiment in its major variations. What are the implications of the experiment and some typical explanations for the results? Explain why these results are so important and unusual.

Part 3) Devise a version of the two-slit experiment that you would perform, given sufficient resources and time, either for scientific purposes, aesthetic interests, or simple curiosity. Be sure to describe the set-up and state what you expect the results to be.

Essay Topic 3

M for Mystery

M-theory is an as yet undiscovered theory that would unit the five fields of string theory. What the "M" stands for is actually subject to some debate, but the theory suggests that there are connections between the five seemingly disparate theories.

Part 1) Describe the origin of the five string theories, explaining why their existence is an embarrassment for the field.

Part 2) Explain the history of M-theory. When and why was it proposed, and what progress has been made since it was created? What is its current scientific status?

Part 3) Explain the concept of duality, which relates different string theories. Has this theory has any success, and what are its prospects in the future?

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