For those who have never heard about it, it suggests that all things -including energy and matter- are made up of extremely small vibrating particles of energy. They say an atom compared to one of these strings would be like comparing the whole solar system to a tree on Earth.
2006-10-01 09:46:51 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
String theory is an effort to formulate the GUT, Grand Unification Theory, that will explain, examine and understand whatever is the elementary building block of our physical universe , including the reason that all quantum level particles exist as they do, why their attributes are as they are, why the forces work as they do and what may be the last possible smallest division of matter or energy. The size of strings is estimated to be far less than the Planck length. The theory is far from being proved (or even universally accepted) or disproved; and depends on observations of minutia and aesthetics; believing that 10, 11 or 12 dimensions exist in a non Euclidean Geometric realm; sometimes ignoring and sometimes embracing infinity depending upon your particular view of strings and the multidimensional realms necessary to even prove theoretical existence; and the existence of matter that cannot possibly be seen with the most exotic technologies we can even imagine at this time or imagine imagining in the foreseeable future. Still, it is interesting.
2006-10-01 10:19:04 · answer #1 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Science isn't about belief, it's about knowledge and understanding.
This being said, there's nothing to believe. There are no observations that only String Theory can account for. Further, String Theory has produced very few unique phenomena to be tested. Those it has, have yet to be observed. Until this occurs, String Theory is just cool Math and an interesting theory.
Having a personal belief/feeling as a scientist can get you into trouble. For example, Einstein ultimately rejected Quantum Theory, and it is often argued this position ended the productive phase of his career. This said, I believe String Theory is the 21st century's "Ether," and I believe the next Einstein is out there somewhere.
2006-10-01 17:33:34 · answer #2 · answered by entropy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have read about it but find it difficult to understand. I believe there are 5 different string theories now. I have trouble understanding one much less being able the pick the one that is correct.
2006-10-01 16:57:20 · answer #3 · answered by » mickdotcom « 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a mathematical construct designed to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics. Unfortunately, there appears to be no way to test whether any of its ideas are true, so the math can be manipulated to explain almost anything. Not really science, in my opinion; more like numerology.
2006-10-01 17:00:44 · answer #4 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, I read string theory, and "tunneling" too, and I think its all guesswork.
you can't measure anything that small without changing its properties,
even quarks have a life span in the billionths of a second right?
I got a freind who argues with me about proving it mathmaticly....
but I gota proof for 2=1 too....
so, in short, its a guess. it may even be right, but its just a quess.
2006-10-01 16:55:43 · answer #5 · answered by papeche 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
wow.
ive never heard of it but i guess anythings possible.
welcome to the 2000s.
where everyones denying the poor atom
2006-10-01 16:53:16 · answer #6 · answered by gypsy.flies 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋