A clear, plain-English guide to this complex scientific theory String theory is the hottest topic in physics right now, with books on the subject (pro and con) flying out of the stores. String Theory For Dummies offers an accessible introduction to this highly mathematical "theory of everything," which posits ten or more dimensions in an attempt to explain the basic nature of matter and energy. Written for both students and people interested in science, this guide explains concepts, discusses the string theory's hypotheses and predictions, and presents the math in an approachable manner. It features in-depth examples and an easy-to-understand style so that readers can understand this controversial, cutting-edge theory.

Andrew Zimmerman Jones received his physics degree and graduated with honors from Wabash College, where he earned the Harold Q. Fuller Prize in Physics. He is the Physics Guide for the New York Times' About.com Web site. Daniel Robbins received his PhD in physics from the University of Chicago and currently studies string theory and its implications at Texas A&M University.

Klappentext

Learn:

• The basic concepts of this controversial theory
• How string theory builds on physics concepts
• The different viewpoints in the field
• String theory's physical implications

Your plain-English guide to this complex scientific theory

String theory is one of the most complicated sciences being explored today. Not to worry though! This informative guide clearly explains the basics of this hot topic, discusses the theory's hypotheses and predictions, and explores its curious implications. It also presents the critical viewpoints in opposition to string theory so you can draw your own conclusions.

• Understand the "theory of everything" grasp the key concepts and importance of the theory, and learn why scientists are so excited about finding a theory of quantum gravity
• It all comes down to physics discover how string theory is built upon the major scientific developments of the early 20th century
• Building the theory trace the creation and development of string theory, discover its predictions, and see whether accurate conclusions can be made
• Take string theory for a spin explore the core issue of extra dimensions, the implications for cosmology, and how string theory could explain certain properties of our universe
• Boldly go where no one has gone see what string theory has to say about possible parallel universes, the origin and fate of our universe, and the potential for time travel
• Hear from the critics listen in on the heated debates about string theory and weigh the alternatives being offered

Open the book and find:

• The questions string theory attempts to answer
• Easy-to-follow examples
• Explanations of Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum theory, and particle physics
• The successes and failures of string theory
• Fascinating bits of string theory including strings and branes
• Ways that string theory can be tested
• Discussions of loop quantum gravity and other possible alternative theories of gravity
• How the theory may relate to cosmic mysteries, from the origin of matter to black holes

A clear, plain-English guide to this complex scientific theory

String theory is the hottest topic in physics right now, with books on the subject (pro and con) flying out of the stores. String Theory For Dummies offers an accessible introduction to this highly mathematical "theory of everything," which posits ten or more dimensions in an attempt to explain the basic nature of matter and energy. Written for both students and people interested in science, this guide explains concepts, discusses the string theory's hypotheses and predictions, and presents the math in an approachable manner. It features in-depth examples and an easy-to-understand style so that readers can understand this controversial, cutting-edge theory.

Introduction 1

About This Book 1

Conventions Used in This Book 2

What You're Not to Read 3

Foolish Assumptions 3

How This Book Is Organized 4

Part I: Introducing String Theory 4

Part II: The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built 4

Part III: Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything 5

Part IV: The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory on the Boundaries of Knowledge 5

Part V: What the Other Guys Say: Criticism and Alternatives 5

Part VI: The Part of Tens 5

Icons Used in this Book 6

Where to Go from Here 6

Part I: Introducing String Theory 7

Chapter 1: So What Is String Theory Anyway? 9

String Theory: Seeing What Vibrating Strings Can Tell Us about the Universe 9

Using tiny and huge concepts to create a theory of everything 10

A quick look at where string theory has been 11

Introducing the Key Elements of String Theory 12

Strings and branes 12

Quantum gravity 14

Unification of forces 14

Supersymmetry 15

Extra dimensions 15

Understanding the Aim of String Theory 16

Explaining matter and mass 16

Defining space and time 17

Quantizing gravity 18

Unifying forces 18

Appreciating the Theory's Amazing (and Controversial) Implications 19

Landscape of possible theories 19

Parallel universes 20

Wormholes 20

The universe as a hologram 21

Time travel 21

The big bang 21

The end of the universe 22

Why Is String Theory So Important? 22

Chapter 2: The Physics Road Dead Ends at Quantum Gravity 25

Understanding Two Schools of Thought on Gravity 26

Newton's law of gravity: Gravity as force 26

Einstein's law of gravity: Gravity as geometry 28

Describing Matter: Physical and Energy-Filled 28

Viewing matter classically: Chunks of stuff 29

Viewing matter at a quantum scale: Chunks of energy 29

Grasping for the Fundamental Forces of Physics 30

Electromagnetism: Super-speedy energy waves 30

Nuclear forces: What the strong force joins, the weak force tears apart 31

Infinities: Why Einstein and the Quanta Don't Get Along 32

Singularities: Bending gravity to the breaking point 33

Quantum jitters: Space-time under a quantum microscope 33

Unifying the Forces 35

Einstein's failed quest to explain everything 35

A particle of gravity: The graviton 36

Supersymmetry's role in quantum gravity 37

Chapter 3: Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory 39

Celebrating String Theory's Successes 39

Predicting gravity out of strings 40

Explaining what happens to a black hole (sort of) 40

Explaining quantum fi eld theory using string theory 41

Like John Travolta, string theory keeps making a comeback 41

Being the most popular theory in town 42

Considering String Theory's Setbacks 43

The universe doesn't have enough particles 43

Dark energy: The discovery string theory should have predicted 44

Where did all of these fundamental theories come from? 45

Looking into String Theory's Future 45

Theoretical complications: Can we figure out string theory? 46

Experimental complications: Can we prove string theory? 46

Part II: The Physics upon Which String Theory is Built 49

Chapter 4: Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science 51

Exploring the Practice of Science 52

The myth of the scientific method…