Understanding Universe Expansion & String Theory

[Prairie]

Regarding Universe Expansion:
Does the fabric of SpaceTime play a role in regulating the expansion of the universe? And if so does anyone have any recommendation of intermediate readings that could help me to understand this role?

Regarding String Theory:
I know I haven't read eonough on this subject but I've got a conceptual block... A string to me is a complex structure. Yet this particular structure is suppose to be a fundamental thing. To me a point is a fundamental structure. I'm just having trouble conceptualizing I suppose. Any suggested readings here would be greatly appreciated as well.

 

[DaveC426913]

A point is a zero-dimensional object. A string is a one-dimensional object; it is one (and only one) degree of freedom.

The whole point of a string being a string rather than a point is this:

It is the zero-dimensional point particles that are causing all the infinities when reconciling GR and QM. A zero-D particle means that the "energy divided by time" transfer between particles ends up as an infinite (or undefined) number. If the fundamental object has at least one dimension, then transfer of energy (say, in a collision) is not infinite.

 

[Phobos]

Welcome to Physics Forums, Prairie!

Regarding Universe Expansion:
Does the fabric of SpaceTime play a role in regulating the expansion of the universe? And if so does anyone have any recommendation of intermediate readings that could help me to understand this role?

To say the least, the expansion of the universe is the expansion of spacetime (direct role). But also, the expansion of the universe is regulated by gravity (which slows down expansion) and "dark energy" (which speeds up expansion). With Einstein's Relativity, 'gravity' can be thought of as the behavior of spacetime. Dark energy is still a mystery.

Regarding String Theory:
I know I haven't read eonough on this subject but I've got a conceptual block... A string to me is a complex structure. Yet this particular structure is suppose to be a fundamental thing. To me a point is a fundamental structure. I'm just having trouble conceptualizing I suppose. Any suggested readings here would be greatly appreciated as well.

I'm not sure I buy string theory, but first you should get rid of the image of a string that you may find around your house and try to imagine a tiny (no...even smaller) 1-D segment...perhaps like a little energy loop instead of an energy point. But isn't a string made up of points you ask? Perhaps mathematically, but how do you get any number of zero-dimensional things to add up to anything at all? Just a thought to help visualize it.

 

[Prairie]

Thank you both for the excellent explanations. My main interest actually concerns the relationship between Spacetime and matter. How the two are so intimately dependent, yet they do funky, and violent, things to each other.

String theory is a wonderful thought exercise for me at this point. Pardon the pun. And I wish all the string theorists the best of success. But talk about going for the jugular... wow.

Thanks again you guys.