NOVA special on String/cosmology

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In summary, the string theory is a theoretical framework that aims to unify all four fundamental forces of nature by proposing that the smallest particles in the universe are tiny, vibrating strings. It has shown promise in resolving long-standing problems in physics and has some predictions that have been confirmed by experiments. In terms of the Big Bang, string theory suggests that the universe started as a singularity and there may have been multiple Big Bangs in a larger multiverse. Currently, string theory cannot be tested or proven, but scientists are working on developing new experiments and observations. It offers a new perspective on the universe and has the potential to provide a unified theory of physics, but it is still a theoretical framework and its impact on our understanding of the universe is still
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turbo
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The NOVA special is Dec. 21 at 8pm and it lasts3 hours. If you have a sufficiently fast Internet connection, you can watch the special here:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html

I am not an enthusiast of String, preferring LQG with a special concentration on vacuum fields, but this show is a very instructive overview of the history of String.
 
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is this just a rerun or an updated version??
 

FAQ: NOVA special on String/cosmology

1. What is the string theory and how does it relate to cosmology?

The string theory is a theoretical framework in physics that aims to unify all four fundamental forces of nature (gravity, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force) into one consistent theory. It proposes that the smallest particles in the universe are not point-like particles, but tiny, vibrating strings. These strings can have different modes of vibration, which determine the properties of the particles they create. In cosmology, string theory is used to study the origins and behavior of the universe.

2. What is the evidence for string theory?

Currently, there is no direct evidence for string theory, as it is a theoretical framework that has not been fully proven. However, it has shown promise in resolving some long-standing problems in physics, such as the unification of forces and the quantum gravity problem. Additionally, some predictions of string theory have been confirmed by experiments, such as the existence of extra dimensions and the relationship between different types of particles.

3. How does string theory explain the Big Bang?

In string theory, the universe is believed to have started as a singularity - a point of infinite density and temperature. As the universe expanded, the strings that make up all matter and energy also expanded, creating the space, time, and matter we observe today. The theory also suggests that there may have been multiple Big Bangs, with our universe being just one of many in a larger multiverse.

4. Can string theory be tested or proven?

Currently, string theory cannot be tested or proven with our current technology. However, scientists are working on developing new experiments and observations that could potentially provide evidence for or against the theory. Additionally, as technology advances, it may become possible to test certain predictions of string theory, such as the existence of extra dimensions.

5. How does string theory impact our understanding of the universe?

String theory offers a new way of looking at the universe and has the potential to provide a unified theory of physics. It also raises questions about the nature of space, time, and matter, and has implications for our understanding of the origins and fate of the universe. However, it is still a theoretical framework and has not yet been proven, so its impact on our understanding of the universe is still being explored.

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