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String Theory

  • 18-06-2013 12:45AM
    #1
    deadeye940
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22 ✭


    Random question, but can anyone explain string theory that would make sense to a social science person? Friends studied physics in university, and still have a hard explaining it the rest of the group


Comments

  • #2
    Woodward
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 219 ✭✭Woodward


    Read some of Brian Greens books. Basically the idea is that the fundamental particles are bits of string (and other shapes) and their properties are determined by their vibration states. To make the math work it requires extra dimensions. IMO its a dead end


  • #3
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭Justin1982


    This is probably one of the best introductions:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Hn7l7jDY8

    Its not fully understood. Its very complicated. Its slow progress. Its completely mathematical. Its beyond anything the lay readers imagination can imagine. Its not proven. It should be taken with a pinch of salt.

    I'd advise lay readers to not waste their time with it. Lot of proven physics out there thats just as interesting and has a lot more foundation. When you get your head around CM, QM and GR and QFT (probably take a few years) then move onto String Theory (and all the other competing theories)


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