Hypothesis anyone?

Question

Does anyone know if the string theory has been proven correct? If its veracity is yet to be experimented, does anyone think it will actually replace point particles used in modern day science?

Answer 1

It depends who you ask. String theorists envision some non-trivial experiments that may be able to test some aspects of the theory using electron-positron colliders that are perhaps 5 times more powerful than CERN. Fantastically expensive yes, but doable perhaps.

I've heard other high-energy physicists claim that the necessary power of the particle accelerator would have to be several orders of magnitude more powerful than existing colliders, and this is not going to happen in any of our lifetimes, nor in any foreseeable future.

So no, it isn't proven. But string theorists need research grants like everyone else, so they envision some experiments that may be possible with the Gravitational Wave Experiment.

I'm a real soymeat and potato kind of physicist, not really smart enough to understand the complexities of string theory, but I have spoken to some good theorists. My gut feeling is that it's a mathematical invention that solves some mathematical problem. But there are many underlying problems with Quantum Mechanics, (i.e. renormalization) that perhaps once we find a more consistent theory for the measurements that we can take, that a different type of theory will be necessary to avoid dividing by zero. (Which is one of the core concepts of strings I think.)

So if I had to put money on a bet, I would wager that not only will strings be eventually discarded, but so will the concept of point particles, possibly to be replaced by wavelets, spherelets or density functions.

Answer 2

To the best of my knowledge the String Theory has not been totally proven yet. But, last years discovery of Dark Energy and finally proof that it exists will strengthen the theory by strengthening our total understanding and how the elements of the Universe work together.

The problem between Newton's Physics and Quantum Physics has not been solved. Both forms of physics work and correctly describe the worlds that they are written for. However, when they try to describe each other's world they fail and the universe (as we know it) breaks down.

To get the real understanding that makes the two physics agree we have to have a higher understanding of the other dimensions involved. This is where String Theory comes in because it determines how many other dimensions are required to make the theory work. We can only work in the 4 basic dimensions and we can only experience those dimensions. We lack the ability to understand the higher dimensions. Once we get that ability then we will be able to prove String Theory, the problem of gravity, and finally get the theories of the very small (Quantum Physics) and the theories of the large (Newton's Physics) to agree with each other.

Answer 3

If you ask me, the string theory with like 11 dimensions makes no sense due to the fact that the three we have proven existent actually do exist. If i'm wrong, don't blame me. I'm only 12. lol

Answer 4

I don't even believe that time is the 4th dimension, but a (inverted) constant... so what does that tell you about my answer being valid? haha j/k
I don't think it's been proven yet, but considered a valid theory...
And that's a fact, in my opinion.

Answer 5

Still a theory constrained by technology and financing.

Supersymmetric particles are too massive to be detected by current accelerators. Maybe in ten to twenty years.

Answer 6

my understanding is that it has made predications in the past that proved wrong several times and each time so they tweak it a little bit so that it can't be proved wrong anymore. it hasn't been proven correct.

Answer 7

no it has not. even in the unlikely event that it is true, it is not likely to be proven.