How could one most most concisely yet accurately explain string theory?

Question

I'm thinking perhaps of imaginitive analogies that requires little mathematical knowledge

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

Different vibrational frequencies of a one dimensional string in 11 dimensions gives rise to the different particles we observe. Each different frequency is a different particle. Most of the other dimensions are coiled up so tight however that we cannot observe them.

Answer 3

supposedly these strings are the smallest particle...in theory. they are coiled, and vibrate at different frequencies. the frequency of vibration is directly proportional to its physical makeup. the attraction to (and repulsion from) other strings, form clusters that give an object mass and form its overall physical makeup = atoms, molecules, compounds, etc.

Answer 4

how long is a piece of string,...sorry just stringing you along. My favorite song?..puppet on a string, am i pulling your string or what, my view on capital punishment, bet you've guessed...yes string em up.

Answer 5

string is string no maths needed.