The Little Book of String Theory
Feb 2010 · Science Essentials Book 11 · Princeton University Press
4.3star
17 reviews
Ebook
184
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About this ebook
The essential beginner's guide to string theory
The Little Book of String Theory offers a short, accessible, and entertaining introduction to one of the most talked-about areas of physics today. String theory has been called the "theory of everything." It seeks to describe all the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses gravity and quantum mechanics in one unifying theory. But it is unproven and fraught with controversy. After reading this book, you'll be able to draw your own conclusions about string theory.
Steve Gubser begins by explaining Einstein's famous equation E = mc2, quantum mechanics, and black holes. He then gives readers a crash course in string theory and the core ideas behind it. In plain English and with a minimum of mathematics, Gubser covers strings, branes, string dualities, extra dimensions, curved spacetime, quantum fluctuations, symmetry, and supersymmetry. He describes efforts to link string theory to experimental physics and uses analogies that nonscientists can understand. How does Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu relate to quantum mechanics? What would it be like to fall into a black hole? Why is dancing a waltz similar to contemplating a string duality? Find out in the pages of this book.
The Little Book of String Theory is the essential, most up-to-date beginner's guide to this elegant, multidimensional field of physics.
The Little Book of String Theory offers a short, accessible, and entertaining introduction to one of the most talked-about areas of physics today. String theory has been called the "theory of everything." It seeks to describe all the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses gravity and quantum mechanics in one unifying theory. But it is unproven and fraught with controversy. After reading this book, you'll be able to draw your own conclusions about string theory.
Steve Gubser begins by explaining Einstein's famous equation E = mc2, quantum mechanics, and black holes. He then gives readers a crash course in string theory and the core ideas behind it. In plain English and with a minimum of mathematics, Gubser covers strings, branes, string dualities, extra dimensions, curved spacetime, quantum fluctuations, symmetry, and supersymmetry. He describes efforts to link string theory to experimental physics and uses analogies that nonscientists can understand. How does Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu relate to quantum mechanics? What would it be like to fall into a black hole? Why is dancing a waltz similar to contemplating a string duality? Find out in the pages of this book.
The Little Book of String Theory is the essential, most up-to-date beginner's guide to this elegant, multidimensional field of physics.
Ratings and reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Mad Professional
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March 29, 2017
I'm not a scientist. I don't study physics, quantum mechanics, black holes, supersymmetry, gravitation, gravitational waves, but after reading this book I have gained a keen understanding, at a very high level, what it it takes for the world to move to make that diamond paid for shine so brilliantly on my girls hands.
2 people found this review helpful
Karl Makk
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July 15, 2015
If one has a basic footing in quantum and relativity this book gives a great overview of the concepts involved with string theory.
Bryan McMinn
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December 8, 2018
Memorable!
About the author
Steven S. Gubser (1972–2019) was professor of physics at Princeton University.
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