• Question: Can you explain string theory in 5 sentences?

    Asked by anon-197736 to Sonal, Matthew on 2 Mar 2019.
    • Photo: Matthew Selwood

      Matthew Selwood answered on 2 Mar 2019:

      Currently, we understand the universe to be built up of little particles, like spheres, and the way these combine makes up everything we see and interact with. String Theory suggests that these particles are not spheres, but are actually teeny tiny strings. When strings vibrate really fast, they can look like spheres, and the particles that we see. There are lots of different types of string theory, which try to explain different physics through how these strings vibrate and interact. So far, none of the string theories can be proven with experiments or observations, so it is a little difficult to find out if it is true or not!

    • Photo: Sonal Bhadane

      Sonal Bhadane answered on 4 Mar 2019:

      This is not my area of expertise, but I love reading about string theories and exploring the possibilities
      String theory is the most promising theory that attempts to Unify the four forces in the universe – Electromagnetic force, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and gravity. These fundamental forces in our universe, appear as four different phenomena. But the scientists hope that the astronomical observations or the particle accelerators experiments ( like CERN) will help in providing supporting evidence for the prediction of String Theory that unifies the forces of nature.

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