String theory for dummies

387 Pages·2010·6.105 MB·English

by  Jones, Andrew Zimmerman;Robbins, Daniel

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Science
Making Everything Easier!™
Your plain-English guide to this
complex scientific theory
Open the book and find: S h e o r y
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String theory is one of the most complicated sciences (cid:127) T he questions string theory t S t r i
attempts to answer
being explored today. Not to worry though! This
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informative guide clearly explains the basics of this hot (cid:127) Easy-to-follow examples
i
topic, discusses the theory’s hypotheses and predictions, n
(cid:127) Explanations of Einstein’s theory
and explores its curious implications. It also presents the of relativity, quantum theory, and
particle physics g
critical viewpoints in opposition to string theory so you can
draw your own conclusions. (cid:127) T he successes and failures of string

theory
T
(cid:127) Understand the “theory of everything” — grasp the key concepts
(cid:127) Fascinating bits of string theory
and importance of the theory, and learn why scientists are so h
including strings and branes
excited about finding a theory of quantum gravity
(cid:127) W ays that string theory can be e
(cid:127) It all comes down to physics — discover how string theory is built tested
upon the major scientific developments of the early 20th century
o
(cid:127) Discussions of loop quantum
(cid:127) Building the theory — trace the creation and development of gravity and other possible
string theory, discover its predictions, and see whether accurate alternative theories of gravity r
conclusions can be made y
(cid:127) How the theory may relate to
cosmic mysteries, from the origin
(cid:127) Take string theory for a spin — explore the core issue of extra
of matter to black holes
dimensions, the implications for cosmology, and how string
theory could explain certain properties of our universe
(cid:127) Boldly go where no one has gone — see what string theory has to Learn:
say about possible parallel universes, the origin and fate of our
universe, and the potential for time travel Go to Dummies.com® (cid:127) T he basic concepts of this controversial
for videos, step-by-step examples, theory
(cid:127) Hear from the critics — listen in on the heated debates about
how-to articles, or to shop!
string theory and weigh the alternatives being offered
(cid:127) How string theory builds on physics
concepts
(cid:127) The different viewpoints in the field
(cid:127) S tring theory’s physical implications
$19.99 US / $23.99 CN / £15.99 UK
Andrew Zimmerman Jones received his physics degree and graduated ISBN 978-0-470-46724-4
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
Andrew Zimmerman Jones
Web site. Daniel Robbins received his PhD in physics from the University
Physics Guide, About.com
of Chicago and currently studies string theory and its implications at Texas Jones
A&M University. Robbins with Daniel Robbins, PhD in Physics