The Elegant Universe - String Theory To M Theory (7/11)

Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQLfRkzgMUY&feature=PlayList&p=C9F48B6...


A three hour program in three parts for television broadcast in late 2003 on the PBS series NOVA.

The Elegant Universe

Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, Parallel Universes and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

Superstring theory is an attempt to explain all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature in one theory by modelling them as vibrations of tiny supersymmetric strings. Superstring theory is a shorthand for supersymmetric string theory because unlike bosonic string theory, it is the version of string theory that incorporates fermions and supersymmetry.

M-theory is an extension of string theory in which 11 dimensions are identified. Because the dimensionality exceeds the dimensionality of five superstring theories in 10 dimensions, it is believed that the 11-dimensional theory unifies all string theories (and supersedes them). Though a full description of the theory is not yet known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes.

This idea is the unique supersymmetric theory in eleven dimensions, with its low-entropy matter content and interactions fully determined, and can be obtained as the strong coupling limit of type IIA string theory because a new dimension of space emerges as the coupling constant increases.

Drawing on the work of a number of string theorists (including Ashoke Sen, Chris Hull, Paul Townsend, Michael Duff and John Schwarz), Edward Witten of the Institute for Advanced Study suggested its existence at a conference at USC in 1995, and used M-theory to explain a number of previously observed dualities, sparking a flurry of new research in string theory called the second superstring revolution.

In the early 1990s, it was shown that the various superstring theories were related by dualities, which allow physicists to relate the description of an object in one super string theory to the description of a different object in another super string theory. These relationships imply that each of the super string theories is a different aspect of a single underlying theory, proposed by Witten, and named "M-theory".

Originally the letter M in M-theory was taken from membrane, a construct designed to generalize the strings of string theory. However, as Witten was more skeptical about membranes than his colleagues, he opted for "M-theory" rather than "Membrane theory". Witten has since stated that the interpretation of the M can be a matter of taste for the user of the word "M-theory".

In M-theory we are the shadows on the wall. The `room' is some larger, five-dimensional spacetime and our four-dimensional world is just the boundary of this larger space. If we try to move away from the wall, we are moving into an extra dimension of space - a fifth dimension. In fact, people have recently been trying to think of ways in which we might actually experimentally `probe' this fifth dimension.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Theoretical
• physics
• M-theory
• string
• theory
• 11
• dimensions
• The
• Elegant
• Universe
• Superstrings
• Hidden
• Dimensions
• Quest
• for
• the
• Ultimate
• Theory
• Parallel
• Universes
• Quantum
• Relativity

[Jenova07]

I should have watched this on 11/11/11...

[beastinblack]

Mojo theory

[weekillzzz]

Megalodon theory!

[ThatVixenGamer]

Ed your wicked!!!!

[GuitarMannnnnn]

Wait? So these ultimate physics equations have been found?

[siralaurel5]

String theory is one that blows all of our perceptions and previous notions of the universe out of the proverbial water, but it doesn't hold up because of the absolute basic principle of any science- you must be able to test it. Until we are able to do so it is only a philosophy, though it is a most interesting one.

I hope that after this, the name calling ceases because this topic can absolutely produce a most meaningful conversation about the universe and our purpose in it.

[shogun996]

And one more thing you stupid cunt I fucking wrote that comment in a state of smart ass if you will. It was pure frustration. I think I demonstrated more passion for science then you did in your own response. I don't say these things out of complete ignorance I say them because I'm genuinely frustrated that this is more speculation then anything else. Next time try and resist the urge to respond to a 5 month old comment because you just look like a stupid troll you fucking douche bag.

[shogun996]

@Dudeness21 And another thing faggot I'm fully aware that science starts as an idea and as a theory that we need to prove. It starts with theories and works it's way to the labs where they can be tested as fact or not. I'm all for speculation but the truth is exciting to learn because it is just that "truth." This stuff is interesting but it's so far fetched and greater than us it's hard to take seriously. I am not a genius so I can only sit here and be frustrated about it.

[shogun996]

@Dudeness21 Hey douche bag. I didn't ask for a fucking lecture from a nerd that likes to quote other people than just make the point himself. Just because the quote is from Feynmann doesn't make it entirely right. The whole point of science is to know the truth. It's fun to speculate, yes it is. But I'd rather touch a bit of truth than be drowned in speculation. I don't agree with not knowing things. I think the point of are existence is to learn and to grow....Dickhead...

[Dudeness21]

@shogun996 If you REALLY got NOTHING from this I pity you. The point about science is truth not truths. If it makes you ask more questions than you get answers for that is a good thing. As the great Feynmann said. I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, I think it's much more interesting...Dickhead