How Does String Theory Explain the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around string theory and its implications for understanding the universe. Participants explore the fundamental nature of particles, the concept of strings, and the relationship between string theory and other theoretical frameworks like supersymmetry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes string theory as positing that all particles are made up of tiny vibrating strings, suggesting a vast difference in scale between strings and atoms.
  • Another participant notes the lack of testable predictions in string theory, arguing that it is premature to assert that particles are strings.
  • There is mention of supersymmetry as a significant aspect of theoretical physics that may be discovered in the near future, though its relationship to string theory remains unclear.
  • A participant expresses a desire for clarification on the concept of supersymmetry, indicating a need for further exploration of related topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity and implications of string theory, with some highlighting its richness and beauty while others emphasize the lack of empirical support. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the status of string theory and its predictions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of particles and the theoretical frameworks involved, which may not be universally accepted. The relationship between string theory and other theories like the Standard Model and supersymmetry is also not fully clarified.

ninja nemesi$
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hi-im new here...im 15, from london, and i like physics...lots! lol

String Theory
i found this site that has a whole load of info about it, and even 3 one hour clips explaining it and the theory behind it-

apparently, all particles are made up of little strings that vibrate, and that's how energy is made...these strings are so small, that in comparison to an atom, they would be the size of a tree, where the atom would be the size of the universe...!

here's the site-

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/

sorry if this has already been discussed...im still new-and 15-lol
 
Physics news on Phys.org
lol----i don't particularly see myself as a geek of any sort, but usually when i tell people that I am 15 and I am into astrophysics...lol-u know hehe

thanx for the link :smile:
 
Blah, the prejudices we're subjected to.

What's the difference between being 15 and wanting to be an astronaut and being 15 and being into astrophysics? One of 'em actually knows what he's doing!

cookiemonster
 
ninja nemesi$ said:
...apparently, all particles are made up of little strings that vibrate, and that's how energy is made...these strings are so small, that in comparison to an atom, they would be the size of a tree, where the atom would be the size of the universe...!
QUOTE]

Unfortunately, there are no testable predictions of string theory, so it is premature to say that particles are actually strings. (On the other hand, supersymmetry, which is a major player in our untested theories, *may* be discovered in the next 3-5 years.) Anyway, string theory has a great depth and richness like a forest with a hidden finely tuned and interconnected ecological system...the problem is we get lost in the forest a lot. There is enough beauty and strange things going on in the theories we *have* tested and which therefore *do* describe fundamental ways in which the universe works... like the Standard Model of particle physics (which by the way, only takes on its full beauty when you learn the framework of quantum fields, unfortunately!). Speaking from far down the road: the journey to get to these things is well worth the effort.
cheers.
 
can someone explain supersymmetry to me please?
 
garytse86: Please create a new thread in the Strings forum for this topic. :smile:

- Warren
 

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