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Not so long ago we saw the universe as particles moving in space, then 'String theory' was introduced to better explain the organization of the universe, but more recently this has evolved into 'M theory'. In standard particle physics, particles are thought to be points moving through space, tracing out a line known as the 'World Line'. For the different interactions that we see in nature to occur there must be more possible degrees of freedom (dimensions) for a particle to move in than just their position and velocity. Such dimensions could be mass, electric charge or spin. The standard model of the universe was designed around Quantum Field Theory (QFT), which allows theories to be developed and be consistent with quantum mechanics and special relativity.These theories successfully described three of the four known interactions in nature (Electromagnetism, Strong and Weak nuclear force). They also described the interaction between electromagnetism and weak nuclear force (Electroweak Theory). The fourth interaction (Gravity), which is described in Einsteins theory of General Relitivity does not seem to fit. When the rules of QTF are applied to general relativity the results seen are impossible. For example; the force between two gravitons would be infinite, which can't happen.
The known subatomic particles are classifed depending upon the way
in which they spin.
The two types are called Bosons
and Fermions. Bosons carry forces, and fermions make up the matter
of which we are made. Originaly String Theory did not describe Fermions,
only Bosons. This meant matter particles were not included. To obtain
a theory which includes both Fermions and Bosons, Supersymmetry
was used and this gave us Superstring
theory. The problem with this is that five different theorys developed
and only three of them had no mathmatical inconsistencies. For two
of the theorys the funamental object is a closed string, while in
another, open strings are used. Two more theorys were developed by
mixing the best parts of Bosonic strings and Superstrings, these are
Heterotic String Theorys. Studying these theorys was problematic,
as we did not have all the neccesary tools to test all possible values
of the paramaters involved. Next Page: Other Theory |
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| RSC | Wednesday, 8th August 2007 1:29am - No.1552 |
| Interesting that there are 10 + 1 dimensions theorised.. mimics the design with the Hebrew Kabbalah sephiroth system (10 states of existence) + 1 (hidden) - No I am not a religious kook - but I do look at links between very old known descriptions of how the universe is built, (primarily religious in nature) - and new physics!! | |
| Well Rested | Monday, 9th June 2008 6:29am - No.2807 |
| There is something that we can't see that knows our every thoughts | |
| RMCybernetics | Monday, 9th June 2008 11:39am - No.2808 |
| Yes, Your subconcious mind! | |
| gt | Saturday, 14th June 2008 6:33pm - No.2827 |
| I respectfully disagree with this theory. | |
© 2006. All Rights Reserved.
String
Theory replaces the range of different particles with
a single funamental building block. This is known as a 'string'. These
strings can be open ended or 'tied at the ends' forming a loop or ring.
As a string moves through time it traces out a sheet or a tube, depending
on which type of string it is. Strings can vibrate freely. Different
vibrations create the different particle types. For example; one vibrational
mode makes a string appear as an electron, another could make a photon,
even a graviton. String theory recieved a lot of attention because it
could describe the interaction of two gravitons, whereas the previous
theorys could not. String theory also has the necessary dimensions to
describe other interactions. This gave hope for a new theory which would
unify all particles and forces, 'The Theory of Everything'
Recently
techniques have been developed to thoroughly explore the theorys.
This led to the developmet of M-Theory. This
theory describes the previous five theorys of superstrings as just
different aspects of the same theory. M-Theory seems to tell us that
there is another dimesion, bringing the total to eleven. It is said
that M-Theory should be seen as an eleven dimenisonal theory that
looks ten dimensional at some of the points in its parameters. Now
this gave us a new funamental object, Branes (membranes).
These Branes look like strings if the eleventh dimension is curls
into a small circle (like looking at a tube from the end).