what is string theory in simple words?

Answer 1

Honestly, I've never read or heard or seen an explanation that made sense. It's an abstract concept with no real physical essence. It's a one-dimensional piece of something, maybe energy, no one can really say what. Its properties derive from its vibrations, like a jumprope or violin string. Though a 1-dimensional object, it vibrates in more than one dimension. Somehow, mathematical models using strings can be made to predict physical reality. Unfortunately, scientists currently need of the order of 10-11 dimensions of vibrations to do it.

The reference is probably the best lay introduction to superstring theory currently available. In my opinion, the PBS show based on the book is awful.

Answer 2

description of elementary particles based on one-dimensional curves, or "strings," instead of point particles. Superstring theory, which is string theory that contains a kind of symmetry known as supersymmetry, shows promise as a way of unifying the four known fundamental forces of nature. The strings are embedded in a space-time having as many as 10 dimensions–the three ordinary dimensions plus time and seven compactified dimensions. The energy-scale at which the stringlike properties would become evident is so high that it is currently unclear how any of the forms of the theory could be tested

Answer 3

string theory



description of elementary particles based on one-dimensional curves, or "strings," instead of point particles. Superstring theory, which is string theory that contains a kind of symmetry known as supersymmetry, shows promise as a way of unifying the four known fundamental forces of nature. The strings are embedded in a space-time having as many as 10 dimensions–the three ordinary dimensions plus time and seven compactified dimensions. The energy-scale at which the stringlike properties would become evident is so high that it is currently unclear how any of the forms of the theory could be tested.

Answer 4

How long is a piece of string?

Answer 5

dude, it is a really complex theory. Wikipedia has a decent article but it is not easy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory

For a decent primer, I suggest you get this DVD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory

Answer 6

Go here.....it has TONS of Basic and Advanced information.

http://superstringtheory.com/basics/index.html

Answer 7

When you save string, and wind it into a ball, someone will call you miserly, while others call you cheap and foolish.