Nomad's Symposium on String Theory

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:27 pm

Over the comings weeks and months Nomad will be presenting excerpts derived from various scientific sources as an introduction to the exciting field of string theory. Nomad himself has read to a fair extent on the topic and comprehended very little of the matter. He remains intrigued none the less and so continues his feeble attempts. Nomad will offer brief segments spaced far enough apart so participants can read, re-read, read again, have a smoke, kick the dog, call your therapist for an emergency session because your mind is exploding, then we can move on to another segment.

Thank you,

Nomad

In the early years of the 20th century, the atom- long believed to be the smallest building-block of matter - was proven to consist of even smaller components called proton, neutron and electrons, which are known as subatomic particles. Beginning in the 1960s, other subatomic particles were discovered. In the 1980s, it was discovered that protons and neutrons (and other hadrons) are themselves made up of smaller particles called quarks.Quantum Theory is the set of rules that describes the interactions of these particles.

In the 1980s, a new mathematical model of theoretical physics called string theory emerged. It showed how all the particles, and all of the forms of energy in the universe, could be constructed by hypothetical one-dimensional "strings," infinitely small building-blocks that have only the dimension of length, but not height or width. Further, string theory suggested that the universe is made up of multiple dimensions. We are familiar with height, width, and length as three dimensional space, and time gives a total of four observable dimensions.

However, string theories supported the possibility of ten dimensions--the remaining 6 of which we can't detect directly. These "strings" vibrate in multiple dimensions, and depending on how they vibrate, they might be seen in 3-dimensional space as matter, light, or gravity. It is the vibration of the string which determines whether it appears to be matter or energy, and every form of matter or energy is the result of the vibration of strings.

String theory then ran into a problem. Another version of the equations was discovered. Then another, and then another. Eventually, there were five major string theories, all based on a 10-dimensional universe, and all of them appeared to be correct. Scientists were not comfortable with five seemingly contradictory sets of equations to describe the same thing.

In the mid 90s, a string theorist named Edward Witten of the Institute fo

Advanced Study and other important researchers considered that the five different versions of string theory might be describing the same thing seen from different perspectives. They proposed a unifying theory called "M Theory", in which the "M" is not specifically defined, but is generally understood to stand for "membrane." M-Theory brought all of the string theories together. It did this by asserting that strings are really 1-dimensional slices of a 2-dimensional membrane vibrating in 11-dimensional space.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:48 pm

Pah!

fuzzywuzzy · Post by **fuzzywuzzy** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 1:49 pm

Facinating.....................No really please....................continue

:-2:-5

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:02 pm

Don't get yourself entangled, Nomad.

Attached files

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:19 pm

I need a new string for my yo-yo......................

dubs · Post by **dubs** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:24 pm

I know the biggest ball of string is in Weston Missouri....

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:26 pm

What string are we talking about here?:-3

dubs · Post by **dubs** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:29 pm

yzgi;1156573 wrote: what string are we talking about here?:-3

g.........???

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:30 pm

dubs;1156575 wrote: g.........???
Whew...Good.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:35 pm

abbey;1156522 wrote: Pah!

Abbey - thank you!

The best laugh I've had in a long time :yh_rotfl

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:38 pm

I have no sympathy for you.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:49 pm

Odie;1156743 wrote: I have no sympathy for you.

:wah:

Ok.

How about a small dose of pity ?

pinkchick · Post by **pinkchick** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:00 pm

Nomad;1156506 wrote: Over the comings weeks and months Nomad will be presenting excerpts derived from various scientific sources as an introduction to the exciting field of string theory. Nomad himself has read to a fair extent on the topic and comprehended very little of the matter. He remains intrigued none the less and so continues his feeble attempts. Nomad will offer brief segments spaced far enough apart so participants can read, re-read, read again, have a smoke, kick the dog, call your therapist for an emergency session because your mind is exploding, then we can move on to another segment.

Thank you,

Nomad

In the early years of the 20th century, the atom- long believed to be the smallest building-block of matter - was proven to consist of even smaller components called proton, neutron and electrons, which are known as subatomic particles. Beginning in the 1960s, other subatomic particles were discovered. In the 1980s, it was discovered that protons and neutrons (and other hadrons) are themselves made up of smaller particles called quarks.Quantum Theory is the set of rules that describes the interactions of these particles.

In the 1980s, a new mathematical model of theoretical physics called string theory emerged. It showed how all the particles, and all of the forms of energy in the universe, could be constructed by hypothetical one-dimensional "strings," infinitely small building-blocks that have only the dimension of length, but not height or width. Further, string theory suggested that the universe is made up of multiple dimensions. We are familiar with height, width, and length as three dimensional space, and time gives a total of four observable dimensions.

However, string theories supported the possibility of ten dimensions--the remaining 6 of which we can't detect directly. These "strings" vibrate in multiple dimensions, and depending on how they vibrate, they might be seen in 3-dimensional space as matter, light, or gravity. It is the vibration of the string which determines whether it appears to be matter or energy, and every form of matter or energy is the result of the vibration of strings.

String theory then ran into a problem. Another version of the equations was discovered. Then another, and then another. Eventually, there were five major string theories, all based on a 10-dimensional universe, and all of them appeared to be correct. Scientists were not comfortable with five seemingly contradictory sets of equations to describe the same thing.

In the mid 90s, a string theorist named Edward Witten of the Institute fo

Advanced Study and other important researchers considered that the five different versions of string theory might be describing the same thing seen from different perspectives. They proposed a unifying theory called "M Theory", in which the "M" is not specifically defined, but is generally understood to stand for "membrane." M-Theory brought all of the string theories together. It did this by asserting that strings are really 1-dimensional slices of a 2-dimensional membrane vibrating in 11-dimensional space.

I have a question .... what happens if your puddy tat eats all your string?

:p

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:57 pm

Nomad;1156750 wrote: :wah:

Ok.

How about a small dose of pity ?

for you?

otay!:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:59 pm

Nomad is just stringing us along...........................:wah:

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:08 pm

chonsigirl;1156781 wrote: Nomad is just stringing us along...........................:wah:

as usual!:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:50 pm

String this..!! :yh_rotfl

Attached files

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 6:55 pm

Nomad;1156506 wrote:

.

Did you plagiarize this nomad?

I hope not........

flopstock · Post by **flopstock** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:24 pm

:guitarist:guitarist

Attached files

koan · Post by **koan** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:32 pm

It's not even a theorem yet.

I'd give it some time for them to work the kinks out.

Theories are distinct from theorems: theorems are derived deductively from theories according to a formal system of rules, generally as a first step in testing or applying the theory in a concrete situation.

wikipedia

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:34 pm

BTS;1156808 wrote: Did you plagiarize this nomad?

I hope not........

excerpts derived from various scientific sources

jackass

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:40 pm

koan;1156841 wrote: It's not even a theorem yet.

I'd give it some time for them to work the kinks out.

Theories are distinct from theorems: theorems are derived deductively from theories according to a formal system of rules, generally as a first step in testing or applying the theory in a concrete situation.

wikipedia

Its strictly a theory but a theory that has the scientific world excited.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:40 pm

omg, now see what you've done to yourself?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:47 pm

Odie;1156847 wrote: omg, now see what you've done to yourself?

That belongs in the happy stuff only thread.

koan · Post by **koan** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:05 pm

I still haven't caught up on quantum physics. If there is a Coles Notes on the string thing, give me a link.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:15 pm

koan;1156853 wrote: I still haven't caught up on quantum physics. If there is a Coles Notes on the string thing, give me a link.

A link

Not sure what Coles is

String theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

koan · Post by **koan** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:22 pm

This is more like Coles:

String Theory Simplified Â« Idoru

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:40 pm

Nomad;1156850 wrote: That belongs in the happy stuff only thread.

:-5:-5:-5:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:23 pm

Quote:

excerpts derived from various scientific sources

excerpts derived from various scientific sources

Nomad;1156844 wrote:

jackass

well give credit where credit is due.......

One would think a deep thinker oops I meant "STRING THEORIST" like you might like to cite their (copy paste) sources.......... Most good "STRING THEORIST" do.

OOOH and golly gee you dug deep in your scientific world to come up with your amazing " scientific" source..............All the way over to Wikipedia

String theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh just more one question Professor Nomad,,,,,,,,,,

In laymans terms, what is Lebton concervation?

jackass

koan · Post by **koan** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:42 am

The wikipedia source was a response to my request for a Coles notes version,

... jackass.

sure, a citation from the OP would be appropriate but your attempt to attack a member for sharing an intellectual pursuit is more deplorable.

Get it together, BS.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:52 am

koan;1157002 wrote: The wikipedia source was a response to my request for a Coles notes version,

... jackass.

sure, a citation from the OP would be appropriate but your attempt to attack a member for sharing an intellectual pursuit is more deplorable.

Get it together, BS.

If the second paragraph was to me koan............

Who attacked who first?

Oh, and you forgot to cross your T

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:40 am

BTS, Im not a scientist. Im just a guy that finds string theory interesting, fascinating. I read up on the matter but its incredibly difficult to comprehend. Id like to be able to post bits of the theory and work thats being done in the field in the hopes the result will be interesting conversations and I hope to learn more.

The concept is simple BTS. If you wish to participate in a polite and constructive fashion your more than welcome. If however what you desire is to berate me then please do so in another thread. If you do decide to come in here and ignore my request I will be forced to reduce you to a puddle of poop in stylistic fashion that will leave an imprint on your already diminished credibility that you couldnt possibly survive for long.

I must admit you are an easy target and I hate to take advantage of your shortcomings but I will exploit them to the fullest extent if in the future your first greeting to me is **** off as was yeterdays.

Now Im offering you a chance to spare your dignity any further trauma or unnecessary embarrassment.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:10 am

Nomad;1157017 wrote: BTS, Im not a scientist. Im just a guy that finds string theory interesting, fascinating. I read up on the matter but its incredibly difficult to comprehend. Id like to be able to post bits of the theory and work thats being done in the field in the hopes the result will be interesting conversations and I hope to learn more.

The concept is simple BTS. If you wish to participate in a polite and constructive fashion your more than welcome. If however what you desire is to berate me then please do so in another thread. If you do decide to come in here and ignore my request I will be forced to reduce you to a puddle of poop in stylistic fashion that will leave an imprint on your already diminished credibility that you couldnt possibly survive for long.

I must admit you are an easy target and I hate to take advantage of your shortcomings but I will exploit them to the fullest extent if in the future your first greeting to me is **** off as was yeterdays.

Now Im offering you a chance to spare your dignity any further trauma or unnecessary embarrassment.

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

And what was I replying to?

Oh yah your first greeting and slam on me........

Originally Posted by jedi35

I would have tro agreee that the Anti American posts need to stop. Good point here is this, if you havent served to protect the blanket of freedom then you can't truely understand how lucky you are. So **** off.

Originally Posted by Nomad

Ok I owe BTS an apology for claiming the ignorant award of the day.

And whad did I say to you in reply to your slam.....

Nope it's mine all mine...............

Besides the guy has a point.............. ****off

So poor little nomadie.Who cast the first stone here....

I could go on about your tasteless post (or should I say taste this post) that got the ENTIRE thread pulled.

But I digress..........Back to point

Have you found the answer to my questin yet?

In laymans terms, what is Lebton concervation?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:23 am

BTS;1157027 wrote: :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

And what was I replying to?

Oh yah your first greeting and slam on me........

Originally Posted by jedi35

I would have tro agreee that the Anti American posts need to stop. Good point here is this, if you havent served to protect the blanket of freedom then you can't truely understand how lucky you are. So **** off.

Originally Posted by Nomad

Ok I owe BTS an apology for claiming the ignorant award of the day.

And whad did I say to you in reply to your slam.....

Nope it's mine all mine...............

Besides the guy has a point.............. ****off

So poor little nomadie.Who cast the first stone here....

I could go on about your tasteless post (or should I say taste this post) that got the ENTIRE thread pulled.

But I digress..........Back to point

Have you found the answer to my questin yet?

In laymans terms, what is Lebton concervation?

I thought Id laid out my terms in language suitable to your capabilities. Apparently Iv over estimated your skill level.

Are you referring to Lebron conservation or Lebton concervation ?

You misspelled question.

Lets do this. what grade school level should we relate on so were both playing on a level field ?

Options: 3rd grade-8th grade.

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:48 am

Nomad;1157032 wrote: I thought Id laid out my terms in language suitable to your capabilities. Apparently Iv over estimated your skill level.

Are you referring to Lebron conservation or Lebton concervation ?

You misspelled question.

Lets do this. what grade school level should we relate on so were both playing on a level field ?

Options: 3rd grade-8th grade.

For your benefit.......

Kindergarten will do :driving:

OK Then......Lebton concervation

OOOPS you misspelled it too ...

Should be Lepton Conservation

Yes I think this is the most intriguing aspect of the string theorem and one needs to understand this before they can grasp the whole of the theory.

Let me start here:

Leptons are divided into three lepton families: the electron and its neutrino, the muon and its neutrino, and the tau and its neutrino.

We use the terms "electron number," "muon number," and "tau number" to refer to the lepton family of a particle. Electrons and their neutrinos have electron number +1, positrons and their antineutrinos have electron number -1, and all other particles have electron number 0. Muon number and tau number operate analogously with the other two lepton families.

One important thing about leptons, then, is that electron number, muon number, and tau number are always conserved when a massive lepton decays into smaller ones.

Let's take an example decay.

A muon decays into a muon neutrino, an electron, and an electron antineutrino:

As you can see, electron, muon, and tau numbers are conserved. These and other conservation laws are what we believe define whether or not a given hypothetical lepton decay is possible.

Source:

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:17 am

A muon decays into a muon neutrino, an electron, and an electron antineutrino:

Clearly a novice would not be able to understand this advanced equation. This thread is meant to be an introduction to the theory. You've jumped ahead too far. I suspect you found an equation on the web somewhere that you knew would be beyond my ability to grasp. Ive already determined Im barely getting what I read so your attempt to put me in my place or embarrass me is void of impact. You have failed.

You rarely disappoint me BTS because your predictable.

Now if you continue to sabatoge my thread Id be pleased to interact with you on a sub human level but Id really prefer you just start a bash Nomad thread. Id be happy to trade insults with you there.

Thank you,

Nomad

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:53 am

Sorry to get ahead of the class....

nomad you are so wrong about me I have studied the string theory for a few years now and have my own thoughts on it. I will try to keep it down to your level from now on...

Sorry again:)

Science and Technology News, Science Articles | Discover Magazine

BTS · Post by **BTS** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:59 am

Science and Technology News, Science Articles | Discover Magazine

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 11:57 am

BTS;1157086 wrote: Sorry to get ahead of the class....

nomad you are so wrong about me I have studied the string theory for a few years now and have my own thoughts on it. I will try to keep it down to your level from now on...

Sorry again:)

Apology accepted.

Would you mind terribly using crayons ?