The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate TheoryVintage Books, 2000 - 448 pages "[Greene] develops one fresh new insight after another...In the great tradition of physicists writing for the masses, The Elegant Universe sets a standard that will be hard to beat." --George Johnson, "The New York Times Book Review" In a rare blend of scientific insight and writing as elegant as the theories it explains, Brian Greene, one of the world's leading string theorists, peels away the layers of mystery surrounding string theory to reveal a universe that consists of 11 dimensions where the fabric of space tears and repairs itself, and all matter-from the smallest quarks to the most gargantuan supernovas-is generated by the vibrations of microscopically tiny loops of energy. Green uses everything from an amusement park ride to ants on a garden hose to illustrate the beautiful yet bizarre realities that modern physics is unveiling. Dazzling in its brilliance, unprecedented in its ability to both illuminate and entertain, The Elegant Universe is a tour de force of science writing-a delightful, lucid voyage through modern physics that brings us closer than ever to understanding how the universe works. |
Contents
Tied Up with String | 3 |
The Dilemma of Space Time and the Quanta | 21 |
Space Time and the Eye of the Beholder | 23 |
Copyright | |
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The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the ... Brian Greene No preview available - 2000 |
Common terms and phrases
accelerated big bang billion black hole bosonic Calabi-Yau shape calculations Chapter circular dimension cosmic cosmological coupling constant curled-up dimensions discussed distance duality Edward Witten Einstein electromagnetic force electron elementary particles energy entropy equations experiment experimental extra dimensions fabric of space fact Figure five string theories force charges framework fundamental geometrical Gracie gravitational force gravity Heterotic-E imagine insights Kaluza light clock loops M-theory mass mathematical measure messenger particle microscopic mirror motion Newton's observers perspective perturbative photons physicists physics Planck length point-particle possible precise predictions principle probe properties quantum field theory quantum mechanics quarks radius realized relativity and quantum result scales second superstring revolution showed slit space-tearing spacetime spatial dimensions spatial fabric special relativity sphere spin standard model string coupling constant string vibrations supergravity superpartner superstring theory supersymmetry surface symmetry temperature theoretical theorists tiny tion two-dimensional Type IIB understanding Vafa vibrational patterns warping wave Witten