String Theory For Dummies

by Jones, Andrew Zimmerman; Robbins, Daniel

• ISBN13: 9780470467244
• ISBN10: 047046724X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-11-16
• Publisher: For Dummies
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

Making Everything Easier!String Theory for DummiesLearn:The basic concepts of this controversial theoryHow string theory builds on physics conceptsThe different viewpoints in the fieldString theory's physical implicationsAndrew Zimmerman JonesPhysics Guide, About.comwith Daniel Robbins, PhD in PhysicsYour plain-English guide to this complex scientific theoryString theory is one of the most complicated sciences being explored today. Not to worry though! This informative guide clearly explains the basics of this hot topic, discusses the theory's hypotheses and predictions, and explores its curious implications. It also presents the critical viewpoints in opposition to string theory so you can draw your own conclusions.Understand the "theory of everything" - grasp the key concepts and importance of the theory, and learn why scientists are so excited about finding a theory of quantum gravityIt all comes down to physics - discover how string theory is built upon the major scientific developments of the early 20th centuryBuilding the theory - trace the creation and development of string theory, discover its predictions, and see whether accurate conclusions can be madeTake string theory for a spin - explore the core issue of extra dimensions, the implications for cosmology, and how string theory could explain certain properties of our universeBoldly go where no one has gone - see what string theory has to say about possible parallel universes, the origin and fate of our universe, and the potential for time travelHear from the critics - listen in on the heated debates about string theory and weigh the alternatives being offeredOpen the book and find:The questions string theory attempts to answerEasy-to-follow examplesExplanations of Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum theory, and particle physicsThe successes and failures of string theoryFascinating bits of string theory including strings and branesWays that string theory can be testedDiscussions of loop quantum gravity and other possible alternative theories of gravityHow the theory may relate to cosmic mysteries, from the origin of matter to black holes

Author Biography

Andrew Zimmerman Jones received his physics degree and graduated with honors from Wabash College, where he earned the Harold Q. Fuller Prize in Physics. He is the Physics Guide for the New York Times' About.com Web site. Daniel Robbins received his PhD in physics from the University of Chicago and currently studies string theory and its implications at Texas A&M University.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introducing String Theory

So What Is String Theory Anyway?

The Physics Road Dead Ends at Quantum Gravity

Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory

The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built

Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science

What You Must Know about Classical Physics

Revolutionizing Space and Time: Einstein's Relativity

Brushing Up on Quantum Theory Basics

The Standard Model of Particle Physics

Physics in Space: Considering Cosmology and Astrophysics

Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything

Early Strings and Superstrings: Unearthing the Theory's Beginnings

M-Theory and Beyond: Bringing String Theory Together

Putting String Theory to the Test

The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory On the Boundaries of Knowledge

Making Space for Extra Dimensions

Our Universe ù String Theory, Cosmology, and Astrophysics

Parallel Universes: Maybe You Can Be Two Places at Once

Have Time, Will Travel

What the Other Guys Say: Criticisms and Alternatives

Taking a Closer Look at the String Theory Controversy

Loop Quantum Gravity: String Theory's Biggest Competitor

Considering Other Ways to Explain the Universe

The Part of Tens

Ten Questions a Theory of Everything Should (Ideally) Answer

Ten Notable String Theorists

Index

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