What are the basic principles of string theory?
955029
In a nutshell?\n\nOh, that's kind of the idea. \n\nStrings are a mathematical construction that hold the promise of putting all the properties of subatomic particles into a nutshell - or actually a string. If it can be made to work it will be really "niffty" - just how valuable has yet to be determined.\n\ngiving much of the basics without knowing the level of math to provide is really tough.\n\nAn intuitive description suggests that a string will provide information by virtue of its vibrations. Different harmonics representing different particles.  All particles are strings, just vibrating in different ways.
1115519
Its matter. But what is matter. String theory suggest that all matter is made up of vibrating string and the different vibrations causes different characteristics in matter.
115605
Very simply put, string theory (now most often called "M" theory) is an attempt to unite quantum physics with relativity; we hope that by doing so we can develop a set of equations that will tie together the four fundamental forces of nature. The direct relationship of three of those forces have been linked, but gravity so far remains the "outsider."
549041
Short answer it is meant to unify the supersting theories (which are of course aimed at answering the most fundamental question of the most elementary (sub)particles).\n\nLonger answer, there are dualities in the five "original" string theories. These dualities lead to the same pursuit as in the Grand Unification theory when people started thinking of more elegant theories. The M (or U) theory is basically the  grand unification of the five string theories. \n\nThe theory has a huge problem like the "originals", too many dimensions. Just as you can fit a polynomial of nth degree to any data, given enough dimensions you can explain any physical occurrence with almost any explanation this is why scientists are still dismissive of the M and String theories (except the guys who try to convince the rest)
18752
it basically says that there are these giant cosmic strings that stretch an infinite distance and they are very dense (as in they're so thin that they are not visible, yet a millimeter would weigh tons and tons) and their huge mass warps space-time and they help to make up the universe as we know it. there are also small vibrating strings on the sub atomic level that make up the smallest divisions of matter. String theory also describes 11 dimentions.  If you're interested in it, read "the elegant universe" by Brian Greene, it explains it a lot better than i can here.
627179
M theory is an imaginative extension of string theory that says the universe exists on a "brane".  This brane apparently resembles a membrane floating through space.  Instead of the standard big bang theory, m theory states the universe was born in an ekpyrotic event, the collision of two above mentioned branes.  While it gives string theory mathematical existence with 11 spatial dimensions, and brilliantly explains the observed particle interactions within particle accelerators (which no other theory has managed to do, the extensions of this theory are hard to prove and create a great deal of theological debate.
994795
No. Actually, the string theory is dominating physics. The string theory tries to combine the Theory of relativity and the quantum mechanics, forming the so-called " theory of everything". This theory should combine all the four elementary and fundamental  forces - Gravity, Weak Nucleur Force, Strong Nucleur Force, and the electromagnetic force. The String theory is still in progress. If you want to know more about this from me, e-mail me at supratim1_dey@yahoo.co.in.\nI am actually a theoretical scientist researching on the string theory. You have a very nice question. I will recomend you two books of Stephen Hawking - 1- Brief History of Time and 2 - Black Holes and Baby Universes.
72098
Some new ideas in physics posit that there are more than the obvious 3 spatial and 1 temporal dimension. These theories are intended to explain all four fundamental forces in nature (electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force and gravity) by serving as a bridge between quantum mechanics and general relativity.\n\nIt turns out that one way that - perhaps - QM and GR can be connected is to postulate some extra dimensions, with an extra 7 spatial dimensions for a total of 11. If such extra dimensions exist they may be too small to interact with our standard 3D+time word.\n\nSo, in this case, a 6th dimension would be one of these smaller extra dimensions.\n\nIt should be noted, though, that thus far string theories are very theoretical, and there is no real physical evidence (yet), nor even a complete theory. Its still very much up in the air.\n\nA nice, simple guide to string theory basics can be found here:
968616
I would say that most physicists are sceptical of string theory, to say the least. many simply dismiss it as irrelevant. The basic problem is that it has given NO predictions that can be tested. None, nada. One person in the department (of physics) here worked on string theory and gave up, saying that it simply doesn't really explain anything.
289604
String Theory is only a theory of description of elementary particles based on one-dimensional curves, or "strings," instead of point particles, given by from some theoretical Physicist.\nThe energy-scale at which the stringlike properties would become evident is so high that it is currently unclear how any of the forms of the theory could be tested.\nSo it has not been tested yet and I think it will remain a theory not reality in near future.
723768
according to string theory \nthere r 4 dimensions\n3-space,1-time \n[11 of course which can't be perceived normally]\nthe dimension of space - time is variable in string theory , in the sense that we have to solve the string equations to determine it\nit's too difficult because of the great complexity of the theory\nif the ans comes out to be 4 then we'd have revealed one of the most abiding and mysterious facts since the dawn of civilization
91646
String theory is a model of fundamental physics whose building blocks are one-dimensional extended objects (strings) rather than the zero-dimensional points (particles) that are the basis of the Standard Model of particle physics. For this reason, string theories are able to avoid problems associated with the presence of pointlike particles in a physical theory. Studies of string theories have revealed that they require not just strings but also higher-dimensional objects.\n\nThe basic idea is that the fundamental constituents of reality are strings of energy of the Planck length (about 10-35 m) which vibrate at resonant specific frequencies[1]. Another key claim of the theory is that no measurable differences can be detected between strings that wrap around dimensions smaller than themselves and those that move along larger dimensions (i.e., effects in a dimension of size R equal those whose size is 1/R). Singularities are avoided because the observed consequences of "big crunches" never reach zero size. In fact, should the universe begin a "big crunch" sort of process, string theory dictates that the universe could never be smaller than the size of a string, at which point it would actually begin expanding.\n\nInterest in string theory is driven largely by the hope that it will prove to be a theory of everything. It is a possible solution of the quantum gravity problem, and in addition to gravity it can naturally describe interactions similar to electromagnetism and the other forces of nature. Superstring theories include fermions, the building blocks of matter, and incorporate supersymmetry. It is not yet known whether string theory is able to describe a universe with the precise collection of forces and matter that is observed, nor how much freedom to choose those details the theory will allow. String theory as a whole has not yet made falsifiable predictions that would allow it to be experimentally tested, though various special corners of the theory are accessible to planned observations and experiments.\n\nWork on string theory has led to advances in mathematics, mainly in algebraic geometry. String theory has also led to other theories, supersymmetric gauge theories, which will be tested at the new Large Hadron Collider experiment.
1049976
Another string theory, \nG – hmm, \nwhy not then a G-string theory?\n\n\nCurios question it is. Let us as assume that you will put a geosynchronous satellite at about 300km from the center of the Earth. Since it is a geosynchronous satellite it will stay with the same point on the Earth say over your house.  The air resistance will be minimum as I‘ll assume that the planets atmosphere stays with the planet. Here are some numbers:\n\nEarth rotates at Ve= 1,700 km/hour (diameter ~13,000 km)\nOur geosynchronous satellite Vs= ~40,000 km/hour (at 300,000 km above center of the Earth)\nThis was just to show off, now let us do some serous computation.\n\nAnd the weight of the string say at 1gm/meter will weigh …. will weigh about 126.87 kg by employing the inverse square law of gravity.  (These were very tough computations).\nThat will apply a force of about 1,300 N on that satellite.  Why apply a steady pull? The weight of the string will bring the satellite down.\n\nThe daunting question is how are we are going to attach one end of that string to the satellite in the first place and then getting the other end to your house ;)? Or perhaps…\n\nThanks for all the fish
416781
Everything (atoms and sub atomic particles) is made of strings. What something is (which atom) is determined by how fast and in what way the strings vibrate.\n\nIt picks up where quantum theory leaves off, there are actually 5 or six string theories. recently they have been combined into "M theory"\n\nThe whole thing "sounds" really stupid.. but it seems to be how it is.\n\n\n(it does not have anything to do with genetics, it does have relevance to alternate realities but does not limit them to 7. for more on this, please ask another question.)\n\nps. the guitar explanation below is a good summary.
552057
i string theory is just cool as it integrated all the basic forces of nature and is attempt to bring everything in physics under 1 theory. but like all theories, it has its draw backs.
614330
It sounds like you are talking about an area of science known as quantum mechanics, though you might be referencing subatomic particle theory.  Yes, the math can be a bit much and the conceptualizations a bit forced.  But not knowing you I am hestitant to say no way.  Maybe you could should start out with little thermodynamics.\n\nThe first site below is one called HyperPhysics.  The link will send you straight to the grid on thermodynmics.  Try tapping the buttons, read and little and see if it makes sense.  I suggest you start with kinetics.  If HyperPhysics doesn't do it for you, try Wikipedia.  If you want to leap in head first the last reference is about string theory, tachyons and all that good stuff.  Good luck and heppy learning.
917179
The question is incomplete.  Which strings?  Components of what?