Can someone please explain 'String Theory'?

Question

I remember watching a documentary about it once but I would like some more information on the subject please.

Answer 1

There have been hundreds of people who have asked the same thing, I would suggest searching Yahoo Answers before asking a question.

String Theory is an attempt to do two things: 1) Make a quantum theory of gravity. 2) Make a "Theory of Everything"- describe the three forces we not have (electroweak, strong nuclear, and gravitational force) in terms of one force.

First of all, Einstein's field equations for gravity simply don't work with Quantum Mechanics, which simply states that everything is made of discrete particles (it's a bit more complicated than that). Gravity cannot mathematically be modeled with gravitons, the boson for the gravitational force.

Secondly, many scientists believe that the physical forces of the universe can be fit into one equation that can be "fit onto a t-shirt", which is to say that this equation is concise and comprehensive. This is largley for aesthetic reasons.

Now, on to String Theory. There is something called the Kaluza-Klein theory, which you are free to google. In this, gravity is applied to extraspatial dimensions and Maxwell's electromagnetic equations "pop out". This is to say that when extra space dimensions are added, phyics becomes more eloquent and harmonious. The current theory stems off of this, and visualizes particles being 11-dimensional strings that vibrate to give off different frequencies. Kind of interesting stuff.

Answer 2

Originally, string theory was proposed as an explanation for the observed relationship between mass and spin for certain particles called hadrons, which include the proton and neutron. Things didn't work out, though, and Quantum Chromodynamics eventually proved a better theory for hadrons.

Answer 3

according to string theory everything in the universe is considered to be made up of a one dimensional string and these strings vibrate at their own frequencies.Instead of considering zero dimensional points as building blocks of every matter explains manythings.this is so called "theory of everything"according to this theory every particle is a 11 dimensional string.

Answer 4

Wikipedia is often useful for things like this.

Answer 5

Have you got three days?