The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate TheoryW. W. Norton & Company, 2010 M09 21 - 464 pages In this refreshingly clear book, Brian Greene, a leading string theorist, relates the scientific story and the human struggle behind the search for the ultimate theory. String theory, as the author vividly describes, reveals a vision of the universe that is sending shock waves through the world of physics. Thrilling and revolutionary ideas such as new dimensions hidden within the fabric of space, black holes transmuting into elementary particles, rips and punctures in the space-time continuum, gigantic universes interchangeable with minuscule ones, and a wealth of others are playing a pivotal role as physicists use string theory to grapple with some of the deepest questions of the ages. With authority and grace, The Elegant Universe introduces us to the discoveries and the remaining mysteries, the exhilaration and the frustrations of those who relentlessly probe the ultimate nature of space, time, and matter. |
Contents
Tied Up with String | 3 |
The Dilemma of Space Time and the Quanta | 21 |
The Essentials of Superstring Theory | 135 |
The Super in Superstrings | 166 |
More Dimensions Than Meet the Eye | 184 |
Experimental Signatures | 210 |
Quantum Geometry | 231 |
Tearing the Fabric of Space | 263 |
In Search ofMTheory | 283 |
A StringIVLTheory Perspective | 320 |
Reflections on Cosmology | 345 |
Prospects | 373 |
Notes | 389 |
Glossary of Scientific Terms | 413 |
References and Suggestions for Further Reading | 427 |
Other editions - View all
The Elegant Universe: Superstrings Hidden Dimensions And The Quest For The ... Brian Greene No preview available - 2010 |
Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions and the Quest for the ... Brian Greene No preview available - 2000 |
Common terms and phrases
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