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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. What is supergravity?

2. What is the importance of the string-coupling constant?

3. When the universe is at its smallest possible size, which other property is also at its maximum?

4. Which of the following is true regarding the amount of visible matter in the universe compared to the amount of matter required to cause collapse of the universe?

5. Kaluza's theory suggested that electromagnetism was carried by ripples in _____.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the big bang according to string theory.

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

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

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

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

8. Describe the entire process of a conifold transition.

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

10. What is the relationship between the elementary particles and the Calabi-Yau space?

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

Black Holes Redux

String theory provides some tantalizing possibilities for explaining the nature of black holes. These incredibly powerful cosmic objects were part of the reason that string theory was created in the first place. Their incredible extremes have been the point that most other theories get off the train, but string theory is able to handle these problems deftly. Part 1) Why can string theory analyze black holes where other theories fail? Include a discussion of quantum mechanics, general relativity, and entropy as they relate to this subject.

Part 2) String theory predicts the possibility of dramatic tears in space-time called conifold transitions. Explain what these events are and how they relate to the formation and structure of black holes.

Part 3) Explain the theory that black holes and elementary particles are different phases of the same material. Explain what phase-transition is and how this concept relates to black holes. If true, what are the implications of this concept?

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