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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter Twelve, Beyond Strings, In Search of M-Theory.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following accurately describes the phenomenon of "quantum tunneling"?
(a) Particles can sometimes "borrow" energy to move in ways impossible in classical physics.
(b) High-energy waves can penetrate the fabric of space-time for very short periods of time.
(c) Particles with high energy can vanish in one location, instantly appearing in another.
(d) Some particles are linked together, no matter how much space separates them.

2. Which of the following is not true according to special relativity?
(a) No object can move faster than the speed of light.
(b) All objects move at a constant speed through space-time.
(c) Time does not pass for objects that are perfectly at rest.
(d) Motion and time are relative; they depend on the observer.

3. Which of the following is true regarding the tearing of space-time according to general relativity?
(a) It cannot tear.
(b) A tear would destroy the universe.
(c) It is not known if space-time can tear.
(d) It can tear under special circumstances.

4. What is the quantum, or messenger particle, of gravity?
(a) The Calabi-Yau particle.
(b) The gravino.
(c) The graviton.
(d) The Einstein boson.

5. What property of electromagnetic waves did Max Planck solve the thermodynamic problem of the oven by discovering?
(a) They can penetrate or "tunnel" through any surface.
(b) Waves are really particles.
(c) They have a minimum energy, proportional to their frequency.
(d) There are infinite numbers of waves, but each has an infinitely small energy.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to special relativity, which of the following can move faster than light?

2. What is the Planck energy?

3. How are the wavelength of a string's vibration and the mass of the particle it represents related?

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

5. Which of the following best describes a fermion?

(see the answer key)

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