I have always been very interested in chemistry and physics, but when I watched this documentary it blew my mind. Even though I didn't understand 100% of the idea, but I was amazed at how small things can have a great impact on massive things. Do you think it's true, or just numerology? Give me your thoughts. Thank you.
2006-10-13 11:20:09 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes, I loved that PBS program. It got me started reading about physics again.
Whether String Theory is true or not, nobody knows, but I can confidently say it's not just numerology. The reason I say this is because the fundamental assumption underlying our current physical theories is that elementary particles are "point" particles with ZERO dimension!
That simply can NOT be correct, but it is a very good approximation. However, we have reached a point in our search for the true nature of reality that we must abandon that simplistic assumption.
So now with String Theory, we assume that the most fundamental units of matter are made of something that DOES have spatial dimensions, be it 1-dimension or 2-dimension, or more. Once we assumed that "it" (call it "Strings") has spatial dimensions, the mathematics simply dictated what are the consequences of making that assumption, and the rest followed.
I think that we eventually will need to tweak String Theory, or develop the necessary new mathematical tools to solve its equations and help us construct a definitive model of the Universe, but despite all its issues and problems, I think String Theory is on the RIGHT track.
2006-10-13 13:08:26 · answer #1 · answered by PhysicsDude 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, to physicsdude, stop telling God what to do. Who cares if particles are points? Why does that make any less sense than 2-D elements?
Second, I'm glad to be the first one here to bash string theory. Many of these theorists have abandoned the philosophy of making testable predictions and replaced it by esoteric math. The only people who could potentially follow the dubious derivations are too busy doing useful science to care.
Thankfully, it just plain doesn't matter how beautiful string theory or any other theory is. The test for validity is experimentation, nothing else. If you create a theory that's ridiculously untestable, then it's worse than wrong... it's philosophy.
In all seriousness, kudos to Greene for increasing interest in physics. Hopefully some people will be inspired to move on to learn about the other, equally elegant, aspects of modern theory.
2006-10-13 18:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by lorentztrans 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a truly amazing, mind-boggling idea, and I, just like Brian Greene, think it's just too.. well, elegant, not to be true.
By the way, if you've like the movie, read the book (also called "The Elegant Universe"), if you haven't done it yet. The book explains the whole concept, but in much greater physical detail.
P.S. For those interested in the movie, you can see it for free at
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program_d.html
2006-10-13 11:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by denand2003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's true -- Brian Greene is Irish, and the Irish never tell a fib. Actually, I didn't watch it on TV but I've read the book many times, and it's really quite fascinating. However, string theory is starting to lose its shine due to its inability to be tested, and its ability to predict almost anything. An alternative "ultimate theory" called loop quantum gravity is gaining interest (even though it probably can't be tested either).
2006-10-13 11:25:07 · answer #4 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1
2017-02-20 11:25:33 · answer #5 · answered by Sean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I watched it, I was already familiar with relativity and quantum mechanics. I knew a little about string theory, but not a lot. I think string theory holds a lot of promises for uniting the two theories, but right now there's still a lot of unknowns.
2006-10-13 11:24:10 · answer #6 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Institute of Noetic Sciences http://www.noetic.org/ Exploring the frontiers of consciousness to advance individual, social, and global transformation.
2006-10-13 17:57:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out an alternative theory to superstring theory called loop quantum gravity... interesting as well.
2006-10-13 18:19:06 · answer #8 · answered by johnlonda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fantastic! The part about gravity/bend in the fabric of the
universe got me, though. I'm still scratching my head over
that special. I will have to see it many more times...
2006-10-13 11:58:30 · answer #9 · answered by comedycatalyst 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love that movie. I must have watched it at least.5 times and I think that everything they say is true.
you can watch the movie at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html
you may also like these videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYTIEDDVVE0
http://www.cutepiggy.com/parallel_universes
2006-10-13 15:55:07 · answer #10 · answered by wormhole 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋