Previous Year Question
The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
observations and understanding of the universe
study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
All these terms are associated with modern physics concerned with understanding the universe, fundamental particles and spacetime.
Event Horizon: It is the boundary around a black hole from within which even light cannot escape. It is not a solid surface but a boundary in spacetime.
Singularity: According to general relativity, it is the theoretical state at the centre of a black hole where matter is extremely compressed and the curvature of spacetime becomes extremely large. Present physical theories cannot provide a complete explanation of this state.
String Theory: It is a theoretical framework in which fundamental particles are considered extremely small, vibrating, one-dimensional ‘strings’ rather than point-like objects. One of its major aims is to understand gravity together with quantum physics.
Standard Model: It explains fundamental particles and the electromagnetic, weak and strong nuclear forces. Gravity is not included in it.
Therefore, these terms are associated with observations and understanding of the universe, rather than the study of eclipses, satellite placement or biological evolution.