String Theory For Dummies

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 andfind:

  • 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
1015495289
String Theory For Dummies

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 andfind:

  • 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
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String Theory For Dummies

String Theory For Dummies

String Theory For Dummies

String Theory For Dummies

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Overview

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 andfind:

  • 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

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781119888994
Publisher: Wiley
Publication date: 06/17/2022
Sold by: JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format: eBook
Pages: 400
File size: 7 MB

About the Author

Andrew Zimmerman Jones, PhD, is the physics guide at About.com, where he writes lessons and explanations for common physics problems and questions. Andrew earned his degree in physics from Wabash College and his PhD in mathematics from Purdue University. He is the author of the previous edition of String Theory For Dummies.

Alessandro Sfondrini is a theoretical physicist. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from the University of Padova. He is currently a Rita Levi-Montalcini Fellow and assistant professor in theoretical physics and mathematical methods and models at the University of Padova, as well as a member and IBM Einstein Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1: Introducing String Theory 5

Chapter 1: So What Is String Theory Anyway? 7

Chapter 2: The Physics Road Dead-Ends at Quantum Gravity 21

Chapter 3: Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory 35

Part 2: The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built 45

Chapter 4: Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science 47

Chapter 5: What You Must Know about Classical Physics 61

Chapter 6: Revolutionizing Space and Time: Einstein’s Relativity 81

Chapter 7: Brushing Up on Quantum Theory Basics 101

Chapter 8: The Standard Model of Particle Physics 119

Chapter 9: Physics in Space: Considering Cosmology and Astrophysics 141

Part 3: Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything 161

Chapter 10: Early Strings and Superstrings: Unearthing the Theory’s Beginnings 163

Chapter 11: M-Theory and Beyond: Bringing String Theory Together 187

Chapter 12: Exploring Strings and Their Landscape 203

Chapter 13: Gaining Insights from the Holographic Principle 217

Chapter 14: Putting String Theory to the Test 237

Part 4: The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory on the Boundaries of Knowledge 261

Chapter 15: Making Space for Extra Dimensions 263

Chapter 16: Our Universe — String Theory, Cosmology, and Astrophysics 279

Chapter 17: Have Time, Will Travel 297

Part 5: What the Other Guys Say: Criticisms and Alternatives 317

Chapter 18: Taking a Closer Look at the String Theory Controversy 319

Chapter 19: Loop Quantum Gravity: String Theory’s Biggest Competitor 339

Chapter 20: Considering Other Ways to Explain the Universe 349

Part 6: The Part of Tens 365

Chapter 21: Ten Tests for a Theory of Quantum Gravity 367

Index 373

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