Quantitative Predictions from Higher Math? Relativity, Quantum Field, String

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SUMMARY

Relativity and quantum mechanics provide numerous confirmed quantitative predictions, while string theory lacks the ability to make specific quantitative predictions. Einstein's calculations of gravitational deflection of light rays exemplify the application of these theories in practical scenarios. For detailed calculations, resources such as Wikipedia's section on the Kepler problem in general relativity are recommended. The discussion highlights the distinction between the physics and chemistry versions of quantum mechanics, particularly in their use of matrices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of abstract algebra
  • Basic understanding of matrix operations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the calculations of gravitational deflection in general relativity
  • Study the differences between quantum mechanics in physics and chemistry
  • Learn about the applications of matrices in quantum theory
  • Investigate the limitations of string theory in making quantitative predictions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, chemists, mathematics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the quantitative applications of advanced theoretical concepts in relativity and quantum mechanics.

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How do you get a quantitiative answer from these theories?

Like, how did Einstein calculate the gravitational deflection of a light ray? How does one go from abstract algebra in quantum theory to quantitative descriptions of orbitals and chemical bonding? Can string theory make a single quantitative prediction?
 
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I don't think string theory can make any quantitative predictions, but relativity and quantum mechanics make a large number of quantitative predictions that are confirmed by experiment. Get any good book on either of these topics and it will go through how to do the calculations. On the specific problem you asked about (gravitational deflection of light rays), this site goes through the calculation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler_problem_in_general_relativity#Bending_of_light_by_gravity
 
thank you for the link. my question was there because apparently the "physics" version of quantum mechanics is different than the "chemistry" version and it uses matricies or something.
 

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