The String Theroy?

Question

Can someone explain to me the string theroy in simple terms

Answer 1

From what I understand String Theory is a theory still in the process of being tweaked that is supposed to unify the two pillars of modern physics (General Relativity & Quantum Physics) into one fundemental theory.  Basically quarks (the theoretical fundemental particals that make up sub-atomic elements i.e. neutrons, electrons, protons, etc.) are thought to be sub-spatial vibrating "strings", wrapped in multiple dimensions that, depending on the vibration, create these quarks.  I suggest reading Brian Greene's (a renowned physicist) book: The Elegant Universe.  Great book that explains the path taken to where physics is today in lay-man terms.

Answer 2

Sure.  You learned that protons, electrons, and maybe even photons are tiny spheres in normal space.

But, what if space isn't 3D?  For instance, some mythical creatures think that they're living in a 1D linear world.  But, if we look closely enough, we see that they're living on a narrow tube that appears to them to be a line.  The surface of the straw is 2D, but in order to pull that off, we need a 3D world to make the tube in.

Now, let's say that instead of a 3D world, we really live in a 10D world.  3 dimensions are long spatial.  1 is time, also long.  But, 6 more dimensions are short dimensions, like the cross-dimension of the small tube mentioned above.  Those dimensions are responsible for forces.  For instance, the electromagnetic dimension, the gravity dimension, etc.  BTW, to curl up this 10D space required another 16D to do it in.

OK, back to tube-world.  Let's say that particles there are not really little 0D dots.  Instead, they're 1D strings curved through 3D space, wrapped around the tube.  Same deal for String Theory.  1D strings wrapped around the short dimensions of the universe.

Answer 3

Okkaaay there are no simple terms to string theory but I will try to make it a short as possble.

First of all string theory involves multiple dimensions, worlds, or time periods depending on how you look at it. The idea is that everytime a decision is made there is another realm for the other way the decision could have turned out. (sort of where the idea of the butterfly effect came from) This also is a basis for many theorys of how time travel can be accomplished.  If you want mare details I would be happy to give them this is one of my favorite topics.