String Theory for the Scientifically Curious with Dr. Amanda Peet

Toronto. February 26 2010 Physicist Amanda Peet, Professor at the University of Toronto explains string theory.

String theory, a part of modern theoretical physics, has wiggled its way into the popular consciousness during the past decade. While the details are technically complicated, the basic idea is stunningly simple - that the fundamental Lego blocks making up matter and force are tiny vibrating strings (rather than infinitely small particles). Some people presenting string theory to the public, like Brian Greene, emphasize its mathematical beauty. By contrast, this presentation will focus on the powerful physics motivations for the invention and development of string theory.

Ideas on the menu include: explaining the epic clash between quantum mechanics and general relativity, string theory basics, extra dimensions of space, D-branes and duality, the LHC, the origin and ultimate fate of the universe, and the black hole information paradox. This presentation is largely self-contained; no physics or math background is assumed, other than a layperson's curiosity about physical science.


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[Tuberinio1949]

I can't believe the ignorant and stupid comments here. The woman isn't here to entertain as if this is reality TV and her personality is completely irrelevant. to her subject. She's a high energy physicist with more education than most of you clowns can ever in a million years aspire to.

[ajthrax1]

disrespectful to the questioners. She feels her theory CANT be wrong... a fatal flaw in science

[Polydynamix]

That boy with the high pitched voice doing this presentation was arrogant and closed minded. A closed minded "scientist" is about as useful as a loose lipped mute. Also, amanda peet is the name of the actress in "saving silverman"... just saying.

[SuperMagnetizer]

So, if I could shrink myself down to one seven-millionth the size of an electron, and landed on its surface, what would that be like?

[longfootbuddy]

centre for inquiry.. humanists and athiests... got the torch in their insignia.. can you say n.w.o.

[longfootbuddy]

@ajthrax1 ive heard that you cant prove the string theory wrong, because its improvable and you cant test any of it... much like einsteins ideas.. id love to get to the root of it all, but it seems that much of this type of science is theoretical and they just stick to it until some other theoretical idea replaces it.. the average person just takes it all as proven fact, and i think real scientists know they dont really know anything

[longfootbuddy]

@Tuberinio1949 hahah, at the very begining she says shell try to be as entertaining as possible

[bv146]

she is soo not funny or entertaining as she claimed she wud be in the begining,... dull not needed crapie jokes

[ldc2865]

falsifiable means that it can be proven wrong, so she's saying that there're possible ways in which string theory could be proven wrong. but you're right, she was disrespectful to the questioners.

[tampananogirl]

Great talk ,,,thamks , As a 45 year old woman who loves quantum physics and was taught to be a good housewife type .we need more giis exposed to the wonders of science

[63Hertzi]

@estegy just refresh it

[johnmair]

@Tuberinio1949 high energy physicists can be dicks too, and this one is a dick.