The little book of string theory / Steven S. Gubser.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gubser, Steven Scott, 1972-

Series:

Handwerker, Mark J. Science essentials.

Science essentials

Science Essentials

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

String models--Popular works.

String models.

Nuclear reactions.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (183 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Place of Publication:

Princeton : Princeton University Press, c2010.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Introduction

Chapter one. Energy

Chapter two. Quantum Mechanics

Chapter three. Gravity and Black Holes

Chapter four. String Theory

Chapter five. Branes

Chapter six. String Dualities

Chapter seven. Supersymmetry and the LHC

Chapter eight. Heavy Ions and the Fifth Dimension

Epilogue

Index

Notes:

Includes index.

ISBN:

9786612531521

9781282531529

1282531522

9781400834433

1400834430

OCLC:

647880066