GRE Physics Domain 9: Specialized Topics Welcome to your GRE Physics Domain 9: Specialized Topics 1. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics In the context of nuclear physics, what does the term "magic number" refer to? A. The number of protons or neutrons in a nucleus which gives rise to extra stability. B. The total energy required to disassemble a nucleus into its constituent protons and neutrons. C. The minimum energy required to remove a neutron from a nucleus. D. The energy released during a nuclear fission process. None 2. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What is the primary characteristic of a particle in a "superfluid" state? A. It exhibits zero viscosity. B. It has a maximum entropy state. C. It displays increased electrical conductivity. D. It undergoes rapid thermal expansion. None 3. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What does the Chandrasekhar limit signify in astrophysics? A. The maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star. B. The minimum mass required for a star to initiate nuclear fusion. C. The distance at which a star's gravitational pull equals its radiation pressure. D. The temperature at which nuclear fusion stops in a star's core. None 4. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics In quantum mechanics, what is the significance of the "Pauli exclusion principle"? A. It states that two or more identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system simultaneously. B. It describes the behavior of bosons under low temperatures. C. It is the principle underlying the uncertainty in position and momentum of particles. D. It explains the dual nature of light as both wave and particle. None 5. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What phenomenon does the "Casimir effect" demonstrate? A. The attraction or repulsion between two parallel, uncharged conducting plates. B. The increase in velocity of a fluid when it passes through a constricted section. C. The diffraction patterns caused by waves encountering an obstacle. D. The emission of electrons from a material when light shines on it. None 6. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What is the primary outcome of the "Klein paradox" in quantum mechanics? A. It demonstrates the impossibility of faster-than-light travel. B. It shows that under certain conditions, potential barriers can become transparent to incoming particles. C. It describes the phenomenon where particles and antiparticles annihilate each other. D. It explains the stability of orbitals in an atom. None 7. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics In the context of condensed matter physics, what is "quantum Hall effect" associated with? A. The quantization of the Hall voltage in a two-dimensional electron gas. B. The increase in electrical resistance in conductors at low temperatures. C. The change in magnetic properties of materials at quantum-level temperatures. D. The superconducting state in high-temperature superconductors. None 8. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What is the defining characteristic of a "Bose-Einstein condensate"? A. A state of matter formed by fermions at extremely low temperatures. B. A state of matter where particles exhibit integer spin and occupy the same ground state. C. A plasma state where ionization of gases occurs. D. A liquid crystal phase seen in certain organic materials. None 9. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics In particle physics, what does "color confinement" refer to? A. The inability of individual colors (charges) of quarks to be isolated. B. The spectrum of visible light emitted by heated particles. C. The confinement of electrons in specific atomic orbitals. D. The trapping of photons in black holes. None 10. GRE Physics: Specialized Topics What principle does the "Aharonov-Bohm effect" illustrate in quantum mechanics? A. The effect of a magnetic field on the phase of a particle's wave function. B. The change in wavelength of light due to the motion of the source. C. The increase in mass of particles as they approach the speed of light. D. The interference pattern produced by electrons passing through two slits. None 1 out of 10 Time is Up! Time's up
