I want to start an argument all you Quantum Physicists!?

Question

Ok, ok. All you budding Quantum Physicists are welcome to weigh in as well.

Quickly, briefly, summarily explain the difference between Loop Quantum Gravity Theory and Superstring Theory (in it's direct correlation to LQG). Which you subscribe to, and why it is better than the opposing theory.

Answer 1

lol.lol.lol.lol..
"I wish you wouldn't keep appearing and vanishing so suddenly; you make one quite giddy!"
"All right", said the Cat; and this time it vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end of the tail, and ending with the grin, which remained some time after the rest of it had gone.
"Well! I've often seen a cat without a grin," thought Alice; "but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever saw in all my life!"..

nice one jaz..lol.

Loop gravity combines general relativity and quantum theory but it leaves no room for space as we know it – only networks of loops that turn space–time into spinfoam.

General relativity and quantum theory have profoundly changed our view of the world. Furthermore, both theories have been verified to extraordinary accuracy in the last several decades. Loop quantum gravity takes this novel view of the world seriously, by incorporating the notions of space and time from general relativity directly into quantum field theory. The theory that results is radically different from conventional quantum field theory. Not only does it provide a precise mathematical picture of quantum space and time, but it also offers a solution to long-standing problems such as the thermodynamics of black holes and the physics of the big bang.

The most appealing aspect of loop quantum gravity is that it predicts that space is not infinitely divisible, but that it has a granular structure. The size of these elementary “quanta of space” can be computed explicitly within the theory, in an analogous way to the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. In the last 50 years or so, many approaches to constructing a quantum theory of gravity have been explored, but only two have reached a full mathematical description of the quantum properties of the gravitational field: loop gravity and string theory.

The last decade has seen major advances in both loop gravity and string theory, but it is important to stress that both theories harbour unresolved issues. More importantly, neither of them has been tested experimentally. There is hope that direct experimental support might come soon, but for the moment either theory could be right, partially right or simply wrong. However, the fact that we have two well developed, tentative theories of quantum gravity is very encouraging. We are not completely in the dark, nor lost in a multitude of alternative theories.

Answer 2

You wanna do this dance?

Loop quantum gravity (LQG) is a proposed theory of spacetime which is constructed with the idea of spacetime quantization via the mathematically rigorous theory of loop quantization. It preserves many of the important features of general relativity, while at the same time employing quantization of both space and time at the Planck scale in the tradition of quantum mechanics.

LQG is not the only theory of quantum gravity. The critics of this theory say that LQG is a theory of gravity and nothing more, though some LQG theorists have tried to show that the theory can describe matter as well.

Superstring theory is an attempt to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modeling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetric strings. It is considered one of the most promising candidate theories of quantum gravity. Superstring theory is a shorthand for supersymmetric string theory because unlike bosonic string theory, it is the version of string theory that incorporates fermions and supersymmetry.

General relativity typically deals with situations involving large mass objects in fairly large regions of spacetime whereas quantum mechanics is generally reserved for scenarios at the atomic scale (small spacetime regions). The two are very rarely used together, and the most common case in which they are combined is in the study of black holes. Having "peak density", or the maximum amount of matter possible in a space, and very small area, the two must be used in synchrony in order to predict conditions in such places; yet, when used together, the equations fall apart, spitting out impossible answers, such as imaginary distances and less than one dimension.

The major problem with their congruence is that, at sub-Planck (an extremely small unit of length) lengths, general relativity predicts a smooth, flowing surface, while quantum mechanics predicts a random, warped surface, neither of which are anywhere near compatible. Superstring theory resolves this issue, replacing the classical idea of point particles with loops. These loops have an average diameter of the Planck length, with extremely small variances, which completely ignores the quantum mechanical predictions of sub-Planck length dimensional warping, there being no matter that is of sub-Planck length.

Answer 3

There is nothing "quick" or "brief" about quantum mechanics. This forum is simply unsuitable for this kind of discussion instead I give you a quote:

"If you think you understand quantum mechanics then you haven't understood quantum mechanics"
-Richard Feynman

Answer 4

As a layperson, I vote for Vernon's answer. I can understand it. Mike's I don't. Plus, anyone who can quote from Alice in Wonderland can't be all bad! : )

Answer 5

Aw, take a quantum leap !

Answer 6

god