Stephen Hawking's Theories and Contributions

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Hawking's work combined the theory of the infinitely small and the theory of the infinitely large. Which of these pairs of theories describes this combination?

Quantum field theory and general relativity

Quantum mechanics and string theory

General relativity and quantum mechanics (correct)

Newtonian mechanics and quantum electrodynamics

Which of these statements about Stephen Hawking's 'A Brief History of Time' is NOT true?

It made complex scientific ideas accessible to a wider audience.

It was a key factor in making Hawking a renowned figure.

It remained on the Sunday Times bestseller list for over four years.

It was a popular science book that enjoyed immense success.

It was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize for Physics. (correct)

What is the significance of Hawking being appointed as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University?

It was a purely symbolic honor with no significant impact on Hawking's academic career.

It was the first time a person with disabilities was appointed to such a prestigious position.

It allowed Hawking to access state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborate with leading thinkers in mathematics and physics.

It was a highly regarded and influential position previously held by renowned mathematicians like Isaac Newton. (correct)

Stephen Hawking's public engagement with his research involved:

Delivering lectures to audiences worldwide, sharing his insights on black holes and the universe. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an example of an accolade or honor Stephen Hawking received for his work?

The Nobel Prize in Physics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a key element of the concept of Hawking radiation?

The interaction between the black hole and the particles causes an exchange of energy leading to Hawking radiation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Penrose and Hawking's collaboration in 1969?

They demonstrated that massive stars can collapse to form black holes, under certain conditions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Hawking radiation was a significant challenge to the scientific community before its acceptance?

The idea that black holes evaporate and disappear over time due to Hawking radiation contradicted the prevailing ideas about black hole dynamics. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these concepts was NOT directly developed by Roger Penrose?

The theory of Hawking radiation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant impact of Hawking's discovery of Hawking radiation?

It challenged the traditional view of black holes as eternal objects, revealing their eventual decay and evaporation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Stephen Hawking's work on black holes and Karl Schwarzschild's earlier theories?

Hawking built upon Schwarzschild's theories, drawing inspiration from his work on black holes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Stephen Hawking's PhD thesis propose about singularities, in relation to the universe's expansion?

The process of a star collapsing into a singularity could potentially be reversed in the expansion of the universe. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the theory of relativity, as described by Einstein, relate to the formation of a singularity?

Einstein's theory of relativity suggests that under certain conditions, a star could collapse into an infinitely dense point in space-time, known as a singularity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main idea behind Hawking's prediction about black holes emitting heat and eventually evaporating?

Hawking, using quantum theory, suggested that black holes continuously release energy, eventually leading to their disappearance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Stephen Hawking's book, 'A Brief History of Time,' contribute to his public recognition?

Hawking's book made his complex scientific theories accessible to the general public, contributing to his mainstream acceptance and popularity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did Roger Penrose play in Stephen Hawking's research on black holes?

Penrose's work demonstrated that Einstein's theory of relativity suggests a star could collapse into a singularity, which formed a significant basis for Hawking's research. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Stephen Hawking's physical condition affect his scientific work?

Despite his physical limitations, Stephen Hawking managed to continue his work, innovating with communication technology and contributing significantly to the field. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between X-ray binaries and Stephen Hawking's research on black holes?

X-ray binaries are regions near star formations in the Milky Way, and Hawking believed that these could be indicators of black holes, influencing his research. (B) Signup and view all the answers