<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>Below is an excerpt from a passage and a question that corresponds to the excerpt. If someone would read it and explain the answer to me, it would be appreciated!</p>
<p>“Althought Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity revolutionized physics, his mathematical models were based on the erroneous assumption that the universe is static- all the components are fixed in time and space. In order to maintain this view, when Einstein’s equations predicted a universe in flux, he invented the “cosmological constant” to maintian the supposed consistancy of the universe.”</p>
<p>According to the passage, Einstein invented the cosmological constant in order to
A, B, and C all obviously wrong
D. Make his equations consistent with an unchanging universe
E. Modify his equations to describe the behavior of a universe in flux</p>
<p>Well, E is the correct answer, but I’m not sure why. It said Einstein created the constant to compensate for his prediction that the universe was actually influx. So, is this question (written by PR and not the College Board) just wrong or am I overlooking something?</p>
<p>Thanks so much,
Robbie</p>
<p>I remember this question and I will try to explain in to you.
We can infer that Einstein erroneuosly thought that the universe was static.His equations also refuted his statement that the universe was static.However,he invented the ‘‘cosmological constant’’ in order to make fix his previous statements ;in other words ,his equations made him realize that his previous view was inconsistent and invented the constant so that if fix or modify his equations to describe the the universty in flux (in change)</p>
<p>My explanation would be quite simply that the universe is NOT unchanging, so he couldn’t make his equations consistent with an unchanging universe - it didn’t exist. In fact he did the opposite with his equations, added the constant to adapt them to a *changing<a href=“%22in%20flux%22”>/i</a> universe.</p>
<p>Which is basically exactly what CR7_ManUtd said, differently worded.</p>
<p>Actually guys, the correct answer was D. Sorry bout that! I was thinking what you guys said…so anyone know y D is right?</p>
<p>This is pretty funny.</p>
<p>This makes much more sense.Last night I knew sth was not right.
And now ,the explanation is more simple.
Einstein thought that the universe was unchanging.But his new equations refuted him.SO that he invented this constant to make his equations work for the unchanging universe ,even though the universe is not unchanging (static) Einstein didnt know that.</p>
<p>Whats more simple - According to the passage Einstein thought that the universe was static.So it cant be E because he didnt know that the universe was in flux</p>
<p>LOL you got me! Good thing I read more carefully on the actual SAT!</p>