String Theory

String theory is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “A physical theory in which one-dimensional loops travel through space and also merge and lyse as time elapses. This is in contrast to ordinary quantum field theory, which predicts point particles that emit and absorb each other. String theory is a candidate for a Theory of Everything.” String theory would solve the long fight between Einstein’s theory of relativity and Quantum Physics.

String theory proclaims that everything in our universe, from stars and suns to apples and atoms, is made up of incredibly small particles called strings. Strings are so small, that if an atom were the size of our solar system, a string would be the size of a tree.

There are six different string theories. Each is classified by a type; Bosonic, IIA, HO, HE… Each has its own way of explaining what strings are, and how the make up our regular life objects. But each theory uses the basic structure illustrated by the picture at right.

Each object in the universe that we know of, from gum to galaxies is made up of atoms. In turn, each atom is made up of protons and neutrons, which have electrons circling their nucleus. For as long as we have known about them, scientists have pictured atoms, and the quarks that make them, as balls. String theory proclaims that there are tiny vibrating strings instead of these balls. It says that each string vibrates at different wavelengths, and that is what makes up our universe. Strings are easily and often compared to the strings on a musical instrument, such as a guitar. On a guitar, each string makes a certain note, depending on the speed it vibrates at. The shorter the string, the faster it vibrates, producing a higher note. Strings do almost the exact same thing; depending on which theory you look at. In some string theories, strings are defined as one-dimensional non-looping objects, but in most, they are shown as one-dimensional loops. The reason why string theory is so revolutionary is because it unifies the two major theories that describe the universe; Einstein’s theory of relativity, which uses the most familiar of the four forces, gravity, and quantum mechanics, which are responsible for the other three: strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force, and electromagnetism.

Strong nuclear force is the force that binds together the protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. In other words, it holds together everything we know in the universe. Out of all of the fundamental forces, strong nuclear force is the strongest.

Electromagnetism is the next strongest; it is 100 times weaker than the strong nuclear force. It is responsible for all light and all energy in the universe. It also produces magnetic attraction, such as the north and south poles of a planet. You could also say that it is responsible for the reactions between charged particles.

After electromagnetism comes weak nuclear force. Weak nuclear force is responsible for the decay in radioactivity. It is 1,000,000 times weaker than string nuclear force.

Lastly comes gravity. Gravity is responsible for interactions which occur because of mass between particles, and between both large and small masses of matter. It extends over infinite distances, but is mainly in visible distances. Gravity is the weakest of the