Unravel the secrets of the universe and untangle cutting-edge physics
Yes, you actually can understand quantum physics! String Theory For Dummies is a beginner’s guide, and we make it fun to find out about the all the recent trends and theories in physics, including the basics of string theory, with friendly explanations. Build a foundation of physics knowledge, understand the various string theories and the math behind them, and hear what the opponents to string theory have to say. It’s an exciting time to be alive in advanced physics, and this updated edition covers what’s new in the string world—the Large Hadron Collider, the Higgs Boson, gravitational waves, and lots of other big headlines. Unleash your inner armchair physicist with String Theory For Dummies.
- Brush up on the basics of physics and the approachable math needed to understand string theory
- Meet the scientists who discovered string theory and continue to make waves (and particles) in the physics world
- Understand what it’s all about with real-world examples and explanations
- Learn why string theory is called ‘The Theory of Everything’—and what it means for technology and the future
Aspiring scientists or life-long learners will both be able to gain valuable information from this book. This accessible intro into string theory is for the theorists inside anyone.
Table of Content
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
About the author
Andrew Zimmerman Jones, Ph D, 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 Ph D 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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