UPSC Prelims 2017 Q44: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are sometimes
seen in the news in the context of
- (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
- (b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
- (c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
- (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth
Answer: (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
Explanation
Terms from cosmology and particle physics
All four terms are used in the observation and understanding of the Universe.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Event Horizon | Boundary of a black hole; nothing, not even light, escapes from inside it |
| Singularity | Point of infinite density at the centre of a black hole, and at the Big Bang |
| String Theory | Idea that particles are tiny vibrating strings; tries to unite gravity with quantum physics |
| Standard Model | Theory of elementary particles and three forces; it leaves out gravity |
The other options:
| Option | Why wrong |
|---|---|
| (b) Solar and lunar eclipses | Explained by simple orbital geometry |
| (c) Placing satellites in orbit | Uses rocket science and orbital mechanics |
| (d) Origin and evolution of living organisms | That is biology, not physics |
Answer: (a) Observation and understanding of the Universe.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. All four terms belong to cosmology and particle physics, the study of the Universe.
- (b) Incorrect. Solar and lunar eclipses need none of these four concepts.
- (c) Incorrect. Placing satellites in orbit relies on orbital mechanics, not string theory.
- (d) Incorrect. The origin and evolution of living organisms is studied in biology.
Key point
Event horizon and singularity = black holes; String Theory = unifying gravity with quantum physics; Standard Model = particles and three forces.
Remember
Event horizon + singularity = black hole = Universe.
Common mistakes
- Linking 'Standard Model' to biology or economics instead of particle physics.
- Thinking 'event horizon' refers to the horizon seen during an eclipse.
- Assuming the Standard Model includes gravity; it does not.
Exam tip
Event horizon and singularity always point to black holes, and so to the Universe.
Sources
- NASA — Black holes: the basics
- CERN — The Standard Model