String Theory Simplified: What is Theoretical Physics?

by Eliot Hawkins

This book provides a detailed look at the development, history, and current state of String Theory. However, unlike some books that are filled with equations and difficult math, the book is written in an easy to understand way and guides the reader through string theory. You are shown the equations (just so you know they exist and can see how difficult they are), but you are never asked to solve them.

We start with the easiest topics such

What is theoretical physics
What types of math do physicists use?

By the end of the book, we tackle cosmology, the Big Bang and black holes as they relate to string theory.

A basic understanding of scientific and mathematic terms is necessary. You should already be familiar with atoms, electrons, gravity and the mathematical principles of positive and negative. That’s it! Everything else is explained.

Topics Covered

What Types of Math?
Particles and Relativity
Why Did Strings Enter the Picture?
So What is String Theory Then?
How Many String Theories are There?
How are String Theories Related?
Is There a More Fundamental Theory?
Cosmology
How Old is the Universe?
Structure of the Universe
What is Space-Time Geometry?
What Determines Space-Time Geometry?
What’s the Geometry of OUR Space-time?
Dark Matter?
What is the Cosmological Constant?
What’s the Final Answer?
The Big Bang
The Plank Era and Inflation Era
Quarks Outnumber Anti-quarks
Black Holes
Abstract Theoretical Black Holes
Observable Astrophysical Black Holes
Hawking Radiation Poses New Questions
Where are the Quantum Microstates
String Theory and Black Holes
String Theories Answer
Black Holes and Branes in String Theory

Genres: Physics

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 27, 2012

Reviews

[Suzanne Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting, but could use more explanation(s).

I recommend this book if you have previous knowledge regarding various paradoxes and other mind boggling physics topics. I suggest you do some research before truly trying to grasp onto the concepts shown throughout this book.

[Mark Zill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overly Complicated

Promised to use simple terms, but i'm a chemical engineer who's taken a number of physics courses and i had no idea what was going on. Typos interspersed also.

[stanley spiegelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad that we have theoretical scientists a job ...to keep them busy.

The math in this book is way beyond my reality but it look like fun for many. Good luck to all.