Do you belive in 'String Theory'? What is your take on it? How does it differ from Einstein's views?
537039
string theory is realy a piece of genius it came uponly since v found so many irregularities in the quantum gravity theory of einstein and others \n to no the basics u bettter read some god books onthe topic\n           i can only say that by far it is a great piece of work and only if v had better particle acc v could hav proved that the theory is correct (or wrong )\n     also rear about the m-theory if u can
4816
Okay, so you know how quantum physics shows us that all points in space, all bits of matter are at any moment both a particle and a wave.  And Einstein's special theory of relativity shows us that all light is made of waves.  And these two theories combine in interesting ways, but don't completely gel.  For decades physicists have been struggling to reconcile the two theories, but they have been unable to do so effectively.  Something was always holding them back, basically because the universe seems to be holding more energy than there is space in the points of known mass.  This made scientists wonder where all the energy was.  And then they discovered, that the space in between the atoms was itself teeming with life.  And the life that lives at the bottom of all matter, inside the shell of the tiniest waves of photons, or quanta, is a strange world of simultaneously vibrating strings.  And those strings of multi-demensional vibrating pulsating energy play in a kind of metaphysical choir, creating all the intricacies of mass and energy in the universe, as if these tiny little strings were conductors conducting a vast symphony, only they were conducting that symphony with the conductors of all the other symphonies of the atoms they were orchestrating with.  And those collections of atoms and molecules and other interesting bits were actually being played by an army of conductors conducting simultaneously with an entire legion of instruments singing and strumming away.\n\nString theory is mind-bogglingly wild, because it's so advanced.  It took PBS three hours to explain it completely, and I was still lost.  Only when I completed the book about the show's research did I have a deeper grasp of it.  Basically you just need to know that these little strings that vibrate in 6, up to 10 dimensions (depending on whose theory applies to that particular "particle" - I told you, it's mind-blowing)  and how they vibrate impacts what manifests on the level of perceptible reality.\n\nWhat's so incredible about this is that science is finally catching up to philosophy.  The Middle Way, or what Huxley called the Perennial Philosophy, has always told us that the perception of life is merely the perception of imperceptible changes on a fundamental and/or spiritual nature, and the manifestation of those changes in the world that we see around us.  In many traditional cultures, those changes are manipulated by otherworldy figures, gods, angels and the like, which is outside the scope of scientists to discern, but in today's physics, the wall between the reality we see and the reality that is real is paper-thin.  Scientists are beginning to discover that everything truly is everything, and once they can prove it, life can get a whole lot more sane, because folks will have realized that what we are today is what we were twenty thousand years ago, we are one indescribable circle trailing itslef through time, perhaps even creating subtle vibrations that resonate with other vibrating universes that themselves are creating a reality in a world far, far different than this one, beyond all perceptible consciousness.  Perhaps, there may even be a heaven, in which all this is taking place and yet life is going on and on and on, without fear or violence or pain.\n\nEnjoy your continuing discovery of the details behind string theory.  It truly is a fascinating subject.
985630
11 dimensional string theory has not produced anything.\n\nIt is possible that the 7 dimensions that are not perceived are mathematical deception, and therefore string theory is a theory of nothing, as you will find if you read the wikipedia article on string theory.
274189
Well, it is too complicted to explain in simple words, Here is a simplified version of the String theory-\nhttp://www.superstringtheory.com/basics/basic4.html\n\nI think you should read the Wikipedia articles about the String theory. Here they are-\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory_(simplified)\n\nBut, if you want this topic to be explained thoroughly, see the "official website" on string theory-\n\nhttp://www.superstringtheory.com/basics/index.html
18940
Life would remain simpler with no strings attached.  However, string theory deals with a universe with more that the dimensions we know day-to-day.  For example, you can calculate the diagonal of a square or a cube and the result has physical significance you can deal with.  The forth demension is time but what is meant by the diagonal of that figure no longer a plane or a solid?  What do we know of even greater dimensions, especially if they describe the very small that we can never see?  Certain of the equations that have been produced have enoumous numbers of solutions and it is difficult to find the correct solution and how to test it.  And that is only scratching the surface of a subject that has attracted some of the best brainpower on the globe.  Good luck.
172699
Before I start, I am a Biologist with an interest in theoretical physics, not actually a physicist, so my grasp of the finer detail may be shaky in places.  \nBasically string theory is an attempt to unify the elemental forces within the universe (Weak nuclear, Strong nuclear, Electromagnetic, and Gravity).  The theory postulates that various sub atomic particles are not particles but loops of vibrating energy so small that they have an almost “point” existence.  For string theory to work it is necessary to visual up to 26 separate dimensions (the 3 we know and love as well as other "compacted dimensions").  This may be the theory's downfall as it is next to impossiable to prove the existance of these extra dimensions and without them string theory just does not work!\nString theory has given rise to m-theory (which uses vibrating membranes (or 'branes if your a cool physicist) in place of strings), which may well prove to be a more accurate (if still incomplete) model for the way the universe works on both a sub atomic and an astrological level.
246328
String theory is still quite new in the world of physics, but it has drawn tremendous attention to all physicists around the world. \nFor the last 80 years or so physicists have been trying to find a theory that will combine the theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity. These two theories describe everything in the universe. General relativity does this on the scale of the very large e.g. planets, galaxies and so on. When it comes to subatomic scale, like protons, quarks etc. general relativity breaks down. This is where quantum mechanics is very accurate, but quantum mechanics does not work when applied to the very large objects. \nGeneral relativity basically deals with gravity and has a calm feeling to it. The predictions it makes is always sort of neat and precise.\nQuantum mechanics on the other hand deals with the uncertainty principal and has a very chaotic feel to it.\n\n\nString theory is what physicisits hope and believe might be the theory combines these two super theories. String theory predicts that every particle (even quarks) are made up of much, much smaller particles called strings. They are not really particles, they are actually vibrating strands of energy. Each of these strands vibrate in a different way. \n\nThe mathematics behind string theory works so well that many believe string theory has to be true, but unfortunately there is currently no way to prove string theory with experiment. If string theory is true, then some of our notions of the universe will have to change dramatically. We will have to accept that we actually live in an 11-dimensional universe.
1164474
String theory is a model of fundamental physics whose building blocks are one-dimensional extended objects (strings) rather than the zero-dimensional points (particles) that are the basis of the Standard Model of particle physics. For this reason, string theories are able to avoid problems associated with the presence of pointlike particles in a physical theory. Studies of string theories have revealed that they require not just strings, but also higher-dimensional objects.\n\nThe basic idea is that the fundamental constituents of reality are strings of energy of the Planck length (about 10-35 m) which vibrate at resonant specific frequencies[1]. Another key claim of the theory is that no measurable differences can be detected between strings that wrap around dimensions smaller than themselves and those that move along larger dimensions (i.e., physical processes in a dimension of size R match those in a dimension of size 1/R). Singularities are avoided because the observed consequences of "big crunches" never reach zero size. In fact, should the universe begin a "big crunch" sort of process, string theory dictates that the universe could never be smaller than the size of a string, at which point it would actually begin expanding.\n\nInterest in string theory is driven largely by the hope that it will prove to be a theory of everything. It is a possible solution of the quantum gravity problem, and in addition to gravity it can naturally describe interactions similar to electromagnetism and the other forces of nature. Superstring theories include fermions, the building blocks of matter, and incorporate supersymmetry. It is not yet known whether string theory will be able to describe a universe with the precise collection of forces and matter that is observed, nor how much freedom to choose those details that the theory will allow. String theory as a whole has not yet made falsifiable predictions that would allow it to be experimentally tested, though various special corners of the theory are accessible to planned observations and experiments. Hence critics of string theory occasionally remark that the theory "... is not even wrong," quoting a quip attributed to Wolfgang Pauli.\n\nWork on string theory has led to advances in mathematics, mainly in algebraic geometry. String theory has also led to other theories, supersymmetric gauge theories, which will be tested at the new Large Hadron Collider experiment.
891719
In all honesty you can't. String theory is so mathematically complex that you basically need a PhD in string theory to understand it, in fact most PhD physicists who are not string theorists don't understand it, nor do the want to (and a lot of them are opposed to it).\n\nString theory is a very dangerous endeavor. Some of the stuff it suggests (like time travel) are fun to think about, but it has yet yielded an experiment that could be used to test its validity. There has never been anything observed, no measurement taken, that could prove sting theory true or false. So far, it is only a set of very complicated mathematical expressions that may or may not describe the world we live in. \n\nI think its great that your cousin has taken an interest in physics. But I think it would be best if you steer him away from books on string theory. There are many fascinating physical phenomena that have been observed that have nothing to do with strings. I would suggest that he read "1 2 3 ... infinity" by Gamow.
10679
You should read Brian Greene's books \n\nThe Elegant Universe\nand \nThe Fabric of the Cosmos\n\nThe Elegant Universe wil explain his work on string theory.
370209
Okay I'm sure that there is more than a four dimensions out of this well known reality (real life).\n\nabout that string theory I have read a little from wikipedia and it says something, that maybe, the Universe was caused or founded pherhaps by a big Crunch.\n\nTo simplifies it for myself, I think that every Dimension is a continuing line. String is a very small thing that exist only in that dimension and not just one string but millions of it, but only that type or kind of string, for example a flashlight in a dark room you can see those particles of dust BUT refering the -strings- are actually those specific Lumens or Lux that are producing light and interacting in a very small subatomic scale, and refering -dimension- are that beam coming out from that flashlight all the way long to the wall.\n\nYou see only those lumens are interacting in the beam which is the well known Dimension, (we live in it) The Universe.\n\nBut there is fourth Dimensions apart that Can not even touch the beam of light wich represent the dimension or universe we are talking about, because the other Dimensions acording to this theory are beams (lines) but not of light for example another dimention could be as a water fall that comes out of spout (sink dishwasher). curiously that flow of wather is very similar to the beam of light.\n\nOkay I'm sure that this a very deep thing to think about it but friendly I advice you to not get more further because we are just humans and those are very Interesting themes or topics that we can not reach or complete understud \n\nI always have thought that the universe is spheric very similar like that crystal spheric snow ball present or souvenir they give you on birthdays maybe like a Marble.\n\nBut serious talking againg about Dimensions. you know, The Book talk about it, a dimension of living creatures and you know the other dimension of people that is not here anymore We can Not interact each other. \n\nLUX OR LUMENS (a Small Portion from Wiki)\nAchieving an illuminance of 500 lux might be possible in a home kitchen with a single fluorescent light fixture with an output of 12000 lumens. Lighting a larger area with the same number of lux requires a larger number of lumens.
216225
Einstein's theories (never mind that they have checked out in reality) are incredible: space is curved; the shortest distance between two points is not a straight line; the universe is finite but unbounded; \n\nparallel lines eventually meet;
18056
actually, physicists are still looking for the law of everything that connects the different theories of things and stuff.  String theory is pretty interesting although it doesnt provide definitive answers, it gets closer.  You seem interested in this stuff, you should read "The Elegent Universe" by Brian Greene.  It will explain a lot and help with your understanding.  Be warned though, you might find it too interesting and get too curious like me and end up being a physics major just to get some questions answered, and more do get answered the farther you go in physics haha. Read that book though, it will blow your mind.
1038716
String theory is a model of fundamental physics whose building blocks are one-dimensional extended objects (strings) rather than the zero-dimensional points (particles) that are the basis of the Standard Model of particle physics. For this reason, string theories are able to avoid problems associated with the presence of pointlike particles in theories of physics. Studies of string theories have revealed that they predict not just strings, but also higher-dimensional objects.\n\nThe basic idea is that the fundamental constituents of reality are strings of energy of the Planck length (about 10-35 m) which vibrate at resonant specific frequencies[1]. Another key claim of the theory is that no measurable differences can be detected between strings that wrap around dimensions smaller than themselves and those that move along larger dimensions (i.e., physical processes in a dimension of size R match those in a dimension of size 1/R). Singularities are avoided because the observed consequences of "big crunches" never reach zero size. In fact, should the universe begin a "big crunch" sort of process, string theory dictates that the universe could never be smaller than the size of a string, at which point it would actually begin expanding.\n\nInterest in string theory is driven largely by the hope that it will prove to be a theory of everything. It is a possible solution of the quantum gravity problem, and in addition to gravity it can naturally describe interactions similar to electromagnetism and the other forces of nature. Superstring theories include fermions, the building blocks of matter, and incorporate supersymmetry. It is not yet known whether string theory will be able to describe a universe with the precise collection of forces and matter that is observed, nor how much freedom to choose those details that the theory will allow. String theory as a whole has not yet made falsifiable predictions that would allow it to be experimentally tested, though various special corners of the theory are accessible to planned observations and experiments. Hence critics of string theory occasionally remark that the theory "... is not even wrong," quoting a quip attributed to Wolfgang Pauli.\n\nWork on string theory has led to advances in mathematics, mainly in algebraic geometry. String theory has also led to other theories, supersymmetric gauge theories, which will be tested at the new Large Hadron Collider experiment.
91646
String theory is a model of fundamental physics whose building blocks are one-dimensional extended objects (strings) rather than the zero-dimensional points (particles) that are the basis of the Standard Model of particle physics. For this reason, string theories are able to avoid problems associated with the presence of pointlike particles in a physical theory. Studies of string theories have revealed that they require not just strings but also higher-dimensional objects.\n\nThe basic idea is that the fundamental constituents of reality are strings of energy of the Planck length (about 10-35 m) which vibrate at resonant specific frequencies[1]. Another key claim of the theory is that no measurable differences can be detected between strings that wrap around dimensions smaller than themselves and those that move along larger dimensions (i.e., effects in a dimension of size R equal those whose size is 1/R). Singularities are avoided because the observed consequences of "big crunches" never reach zero size. In fact, should the universe begin a "big crunch" sort of process, string theory dictates that the universe could never be smaller than the size of a string, at which point it would actually begin expanding.\n\nInterest in string theory is driven largely by the hope that it will prove to be a theory of everything. It is a possible solution of the quantum gravity problem, and in addition to gravity it can naturally describe interactions similar to electromagnetism and the other forces of nature. Superstring theories include fermions, the building blocks of matter, and incorporate supersymmetry. It is not yet known whether string theory is able to describe a universe with the precise collection of forces and matter that is observed, nor how much freedom to choose those details the theory will allow. String theory as a whole has not yet made falsifiable predictions that would allow it to be experimentally tested, though various special corners of the theory are accessible to planned observations and experiments.\n\nWork on string theory has led to advances in mathematics, mainly in algebraic geometry. String theory has also led to other theories, supersymmetric gauge theories, which will be tested at the new Large Hadron Collider experiment.
998030
i think it is a theory of physics that doesn't exist yet but is the ultimate goal of physicists. the problem is that rules of physics don't apply to all things.. like there is the regular everyday physics like Newton's gravity, cause & effect, etc. then Einstein figured out relativity and added time as a factor to the picture. so physical properties of a thing in the universe depends on the perspective of the observer. if something (thing 'a') is moving it changes the way it acts in relation to thing 'b', which isn't moving, or is moving faster or slower... 'relative' rules. even einstein got upset though, when people were able to look at tiny things, subatomic particles, and found they didn't act according to the rules of the big world. they had their own rules of interaction. rules of science should apply to all things, or they aren't really very good at explaining the world, so einstein and every scientist since has been looking for a theory of physics that 'unifies' the universe; both big and small. a set of rules of physics that you can say, yes that's what will happen if  this happens, either to a person or a subatomic particle. this all gets mushed up in the idea that understanding the universal rules will give us an idea of how the universe began..like the first seconds of the universe which is another obsession for scientists. so that's why it's called the grand unification theory. it would unify all the theories into one that applies all the time to all things. but it doesn't exist yet. look up stuff on stephen hawkings theories and maybe string theory for some neat ideas
395968
string theory by it's very nature can never be observed, proven, or tested (see shadengers cat) thus, I would describe it as a faith, not a theory.