That even the most uninterested layperson has heard of the central challenges of physics speaks to the importance of physics discoveries over the past few generations. Simply put, there are two separate systems: general relativity, which describes the physics of space, time, and gravity, and quantum mechanics, which describes the physics of fundamental particles like electrons and photons. One seems incompatible with the other, since each is only applicable at its own scale. What the field needs to unify them is some kind of “grand unified theory,” a concept that has been permeating popular culture for a long time.
in Big Think video abovePhysicist Michio Kaku In about five minutes, he explains this scientific quest for what he calls “God’s equation.” Such an equation “should unify the fundamental concepts of physics.” But Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity “is based on smooth surfaces,” whereas quantum mechanics “is based on chopping up objects into particles.”
The challenge of fusing the two has attracted “the best minds in all of humanity,” but without any conclusive results. To date, Kaku says, only one concept has survived all the challenges: string theory, which is what I do for a living, and which has achieved a fairly high level of public recognition, though not necessarily public understanding.
Kaku analyzes: “If you could peer into the heart of an electron, you would see that it is a rubber band. A very tiny vibrating string, much like a guitar string. There are an infinite number of vibrations, and that is why subatomic particles exist.” Each vibration corresponds to a different vibration. “A simple idea that encompasses the entire universe,” and importantly, a mathematically consistent idea, string theory has attracted both keen supporters and opponents. The latter challenge string theory’s untestability. But it will be clear if one day technology advances sufficiently to disprove string theory. If not, it will open the door to the possibility of time machines, wormholes, parallel universes, and “things outside the universe.” The Twilight ZoneA physicist can dream, right?
For more information on this subject, please read Michio Kaku’s book. God’s Equation: The Quest for the Theory of Everything.
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Based in Seoul, Colin MaOnershall Writing and broadcastingHe has written papers on cities, languages, and cultures, and his projects include the Substack newsletter. Books about cities And books A city without a state: Walking through 21st-century Los Angeles. Follow us on Twitter CollinhamOnershall or Facebook.
Source: Open Culture – www.openculture.com
