As it stands, string theory is unproved, and perhaps unprovable, as it involves interactions at energy levels far beyond any we can handle. But to those versed enough in the language of mathematics to follow it, it is beautiful. And in its beauty, string theory is the heir to Einstein's primitive first attempts to produce a unified field theory. It is multidimensional and some versions include as many as 26 dimensions, with 15 or 16 curled up in a tiny ball. It is geometrical: the interactions of one multidimensional shape with another produces the effects we call forces, just as the "force" of gravity in general relativity is what we feel as we move through the curves of four-dimensional space-time. And it unifies, no doubt about it, in the math, at least, all of nature from quantum mechanics to gravity emerges from the equations of string theory.
2007-11-18 02:17:14 · 9 answers · asked by bobe 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
This is not yet known. Lee Smolin makes a good case that string theory is getting too much effort and funding, to the detrement of other, perhaps more promising lines of study, such as quantum gravity. He is also looking seriously into the work of Lisi, and I trust him to give it a fair evaluation. The LHC will definitely help, but I doubt it will be enough for final resolution.
2007-11-18 02:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I read The Elegant Universe by Brian Green and found it fascinating. I'm pretty good at math but the equations of string theory are way beyond my level. As for the technology...CERN is has made some discoveries but not much. Will we have the technology in 100 years? I don't think so. I think we'll be a step closer to colonizing other planets but as for proving string theory. It'll take a bit longer. And who knows, maybe the theory is disproved or revised in some way.
2007-11-18 10:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
11 dimensional string theory, (and 26 dimensional M theory), has not produced anything.
It is possible that the extra 7 dimensions of space in string theory, (that are not perceived), are mathematical deception that first appeared with 5 dimensional Kaluza-Klein Theory.
String theory is possibly deception involving adding dimensions of space to the already existing 3 dimensions of space one dimension at a time at 90 degree angles to the previous dimension.
That string theory is possibly invalid is stated at the end of the wikipedia article on string theory.
2007-11-24 14:05:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My viewpoint is that String Thought is derivative, and used like the "flat Earth" expanations of centuries ago, to model the unmodeled. The populace does not yet understand the universe, so you accept any explanation that comes along.
The frequencies which are used in String Thought function at harmonics that are two orders below what is actually happening. They must be biased by the Sun, which S-T does not include in the model, hence they are limited to being definable patterns in our small corner of the galaxy only.
So, for all physics in this solar system (which is where we are & where all of the experimental data is determined), they will eventually work moderately well.
I model outside the solar system, and think String Thought is shadow-boxing, meant more for funding sources than science. Hey, good luck with it!
In the meantime, if you want a taste of what your grandchildren will be taught in elementary school as fundamental science, try to grasp the article provided below.
2007-11-18 11:41:55 · answer #4 · answered by science_joe_2000 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It will take a lot of time to have any physical proof.Like Einsteins theory of relativity,it will be put into practice in formulas for various things.and the so called "proof is in the pudding" will prove it is a very sound connection for unification.
2007-11-18 19:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by stygianwolfe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
may not need to be proved - this week some guy has stood up at a congress and said he has find the answer for the thoery of everything and string theiry is not needed, watch the news for Garrat Lisi next few weeks .. this time it looks quite plausible as far as my maths degree stretches....see http://sifter.org/~aglisi/ for the man ...
2007-11-18 10:37:05 · answer #6 · answered by Dad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably not provable or falsifiable, in other words not only can you say it's true, but you can't say it is not true. String theory is currently an agnostic belief in science.
2014-01-26 04:47:20 · answer #7 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just want to say if strings are possible they will be quite small & we will unable to do any experiment on it & unable 2 see it if any theory is unable to predict any experiment unable to give its proof we don't belive on it
2007-11-18 10:45:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The device needed to observe them can't be built for another 250 years !? Go figure!?
2007-11-18 10:24:16 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋