I would like to learn about the string theory.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around string theory, particularly focusing on the concepts of superstrings and the existence of additional dimensions. Participants explore the theoretical framework of string theory as a potential unifying theory between general relativity and quantum mechanics, while also expressing curiosity about its mathematical complexity and testability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand superstrings and the concept of extra dimensions in string theory, noting their background in self-study rather than formal education in physics.
  • Another participant describes string theories as mathematical models suggesting smaller fundamental entities underlying the standard model of particle physics, emphasizing the requirement for additional dimensions that are not currently observable.
  • A metaphor is introduced comparing the perspective of an ant on a clothesline to illustrate how additional dimensions might be perceived differently depending on the observer's scale.
  • Some participants acknowledge the mathematical complexity of string theory, with one suggesting a textbook as a resource while cautioning that it may be challenging to understand.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical nature of string theory and its complexity, but there is no consensus on its testability or the implications of its additional dimensions. Multiple viewpoints regarding the future of string theory's testability are expressed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions underlying string theory, the definitions of superstrings, and the implications of additional dimensions, which remain unresolved.

Fuinne
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Why hello there my fellow science lovers,

I'm some what new to the forums, and I'm loving it here. If this is being posted in the wrong section, I am very sorry. Anyways, I'm aware of the whole idea of the string theory. General relativity governs motion at a macroscale and quantum field theory governs movement at a micro scale, and in order to combine them together into one unifying theory, an equation that describes motion at both a macro scale and micro scale, the string theory was suggested. I was trying to read more and encountered lots of articles about super strings and extra dimensions. I usually read a lot online about stuff like this, in fact, yesterday I spent just about 3 hours in between two of my exams reading about it.

My question is involving the little pieces of the string theory. I want to know what super strings are, and how there can be extra (9 to 10) dimensions hidden at a quantum scale. If someone would generously help me out, that would honestly mean the world to me. I don't have a degree in physics or anything like that but I for sure plan on getting one one day. For now, it's just reading and watching videos about it.

Thank you very much!

Finn
 
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String theories so far are mathematical models which propose that underlying the 'standard model' of particle physics there could be still smaller more fundamental entities.
The math requires additional dimensions which cannot be observed in practice at the present time, so it's not a testable theory , even if it does make mathematical sense.
Opinions therefore differ a lot, personally I hope that someday it will become testable, but I don't think that will be soon.
 
rootone said:
String theories so far are mathematical models which propose that underlying the 'standard model' of particle physics there could be still smaller more fundamental entities.
The math requires additional dimensions which cannot be observed in practice at the present time, so it's not a testable theory , even if it does make mathematical sense.
Opinions therefore differ a lot, personally I hope that someday it will become testable, but I don't think that will be soon.
Isn't it something like if you see a clothles line from a distance and see an ant on it, you're only seeing one line, but in that ant's perspective he's able to move around?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
bhobba said:
Its OK to post here - string theory is a quantum theory.

It is however mathematically advanced. The easiest actual textbook I know is the following:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521880327/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Be warned - I have a copy and its not easy going.

Thanks
Bill
Thank you
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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