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String theory/particle physics

post #1 of 29
3/31/09 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 
I think this stuff is very interesting. I don't really know much about it, but I am going to see a lecture by David J. Gross tonight, who won the Nobel in Physics for discovering how quarks bind neutrons and protons (or something like that). Is there a good "string theory for dummies" article online? I want to at least read an intro on the topic before I go to this.
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post #2 of 29
3/31/09 at 3:10pm
Connemara, the recent book Lightness of Being: Mass, Ether, and the Unification of Forces by Frank Wilczek is a very good layman's survey of the most recent advancement in physics. The book is very 'light,' and you could tackle most of it in one sitting.

The author shared the nobel prize with your speaker, David Gross, for their work on Quantum Chromodynamics (CDC.)

Let us know how the lecture goes.
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post #3 of 29
3/31/09 at 3:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
I think this stuff is very interesting. I don't really know much about it, but I am going to see a lecture by David J. Gross tonight, who won the Nobel in Physics for discovering how quarks bind neutrons and protons (or something like that).

Is there a good "string theory for dummies" article online? I want to at least read an intro on the topic before I go to this.

As an aside, I have seen elements of string theory used to explain/model the prices of certain assets commonly thought to be mean reverting, such as natural gas or electricity. Interesting stuff..
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post #4 of 29
3/31/09 at 3:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
Is there a good "string theory for dummies" article online? I want to at least read an intro on the topic before I go to this.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/th...song/325515178
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post #5 of 29
3/31/09 at 3:53pm
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post #6 of 29
3/31/09 at 7:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by robin View Post

lol good ol' xkcd.

as for the string theory for dummies, if you can get a copy of Bill Bryson's Short History of Nearly Everything, there is a good section on physics, rocks for jocks style. Great book too.
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post #7 of 29
3/31/09 at 9:50pm
Thread Starter 
Couldn't make it (homework already ) but I am hoping they will post a video. I looked at the lecture abstract and it seems like a lot of the stuff will just go over my head. But I'd still like to watch.
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post #8 of 29
3/31/09 at 10:05pm
I took a physics seminar last quarter on string theory/extra dimensions and that stuff. Seminar was boring as hell though, but the book the professor assigned was a nice read.

The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene

The book doesn't only cover string theory/particle physics but also sets up the background information needed to have an understanding of the material. Good stuff.
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post #9 of 29
3/31/09 at 10:16pm
Isn't string theory now outdated? I heard everyone was working toward a unified theory that combines all the forces of nature to explain every phenomena known to men.
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post #10 of 29
3/31/09 at 10:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by raginberriodoom View Post
I took a physics seminar last quarter on string theory/extra dimensions and that stuff. Seminar was boring as hell though, but the book the professor assigned was a nice read. The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene The book doesn't only cover string theory/particle physics but also sets up the background information needed to have an understanding of the material. Good stuff.
I actually have that book somewhere.
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post #11 of 29
3/31/09 at 10:19pm
Brian Greene's book is fantastic - highly recommended.
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post #12 of 29
3/31/09 at 10:21pm
That book is crap.
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post #13 of 29
3/31/09 at 11:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by raginberriodoom View Post
I took a physics seminar last quarter on string theory/extra dimensions and that stuff. Seminar was boring as hell though, but the book the professor assigned was a nice read.

The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene

The book doesn't only cover string theory/particle physics but also sets up the background information needed to have an understanding of the material. Good stuff.

There's actually a NOVA documentary on this book. It explains everything about the theory and is very heavy on visuals, which is a plus for all you visual learners out there.
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post #14 of 29
3/31/09 at 11:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by robin View Post
That book is crap.

Yeah but the movie's a lot better.
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post #15 of 29
3/31/09 at 11:42pm
I have a degree in this crap and I don't understand it.
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