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String Theory For Dummies
Unravel the secrets of the universe and untangle cutting-edge physics Yes, you actually can understand quantum physics! String Theory For Dummies is a beginner’s guide, and we make it fun to find out about the all the recent trends and theories in physics, including the basics of string theory, with friendly explanations. Build a foundation of physics knowledge, understand the various string theories and the math behind them, and hear what the opponents to string theory have to say. It’s an exciting time to be alive in advanced physics, and this updated edition covers what’s new in the string world―the Large Hadron Collider, the Higgs Boson, gravitational waves, and lots of other big headlines. Unleash your inner armchair physicist with String Theory For Dummies . Aspiring scientists or life-long learners will both be able to gain valuable information from this book. This accessible intro into string theory is for the theorists inside anyone.
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2009
147 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 24, 2013
Stfd was definitely a good overview but it took a while to realize on kindle that I didn't have to read every single word. The physicial book is split into sidebars and infoboxes so that it's more visually apparent. Ill just call out some of my take aways-
1. The intent behind it all is mostly to come up with a grand theory in which the laws of gravity do not break down on a quantum scale. It's also to come up with a model of the most fundamental unit of existence which we once thought to be the atom but have since narrowed down further. Modern physics does not think of particles as matter anymore- particles are bundles of waves called wave packets.
2. The model of the most fundamental unit of existence started off as a vibrating string, then turned into a multidimensional vibrating 'brane' within a 10 or 11 dimension world in which some of the dimensions are curled up inside one another. My understanding is that that's the only way to get all the math to work but there's ongoing dispute as to the exact number of dimensions.
3. Supersymmetry, which basically is string theory (basic/bosonic string theory has evolved over time), is kind of like E=mc2 on steroids. It says that every energy force has an associated particle called a gauge particle that 'mediates' it. Light is a convenient example- first we found light waves and then discovered the photon. Now were searching for a massless 'gravitron' that corresponds with gravity. Were also trying to figure out what is up with dark matter and dark energy.
1. The intent behind it all is mostly to come up with a grand theory in which the laws of gravity do not break down on a quantum scale. It's also to come up with a model of the most fundamental unit of existence which we once thought to be the atom but have since narrowed down further. Modern physics does not think of particles as matter anymore- particles are bundles of waves called wave packets.
2. The model of the most fundamental unit of existence started off as a vibrating string, then turned into a multidimensional vibrating 'brane' within a 10 or 11 dimension world in which some of the dimensions are curled up inside one another. My understanding is that that's the only way to get all the math to work but there's ongoing dispute as to the exact number of dimensions.
3. Supersymmetry, which basically is string theory (basic/bosonic string theory has evolved over time), is kind of like E=mc2 on steroids. It says that every energy force has an associated particle called a gauge particle that 'mediates' it. Light is a convenient example- first we found light waves and then discovered the photon. Now were searching for a massless 'gravitron' that corresponds with gravity. Were also trying to figure out what is up with dark matter and dark energy.
June 2, 2019
A book for absolute beginner in string physics
String theory for Dummies is an instructional/reference book that is intended as guides for readers new to this field of physics and cosmology. The author describes the theory in brief and how it is used to understand physical reality. The operation of matter and energy in spacetime is explained by classical theories of physics or quantum mechanics but they do not offer a unified explanation of gravity or the bending od spacetime in presence of matter. This book is free of mathematics; and the narratives are brief and to the point. Not intensive in terms of physics. The book is helpful for a beginner but contains some conceptual errors.
String theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. It describes how these strings propagate through space and interact with each other. On distance scales larger than the string scale, a string looks just like an ordinary particle, with its mass, charge, and other properties determined by the vibrational state of the string. This theory has been applied to describe black holes, cosmology, and quantum gravity. It is a candidate for a theory of everything, but runs short of verifiable predictions, hence some physicists refuse to accept that it is a real science.
String theory for Dummies is an instructional/reference book that is intended as guides for readers new to this field of physics and cosmology. The author describes the theory in brief and how it is used to understand physical reality. The operation of matter and energy in spacetime is explained by classical theories of physics or quantum mechanics but they do not offer a unified explanation of gravity or the bending od spacetime in presence of matter. This book is free of mathematics; and the narratives are brief and to the point. Not intensive in terms of physics. The book is helpful for a beginner but contains some conceptual errors.
String theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. It describes how these strings propagate through space and interact with each other. On distance scales larger than the string scale, a string looks just like an ordinary particle, with its mass, charge, and other properties determined by the vibrational state of the string. This theory has been applied to describe black holes, cosmology, and quantum gravity. It is a candidate for a theory of everything, but runs short of verifiable predictions, hence some physicists refuse to accept that it is a real science.
July 13, 2021
کتابی عالی و خوب :))نظریات مختلف رو خوب گنجانده بود;در کل جامع و کامل بود برای یک دامی در فیزیک ریسمان.
September 21, 2011
String Theory For Dummies by Andrew Zimmerman Jones accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: provide a non-mathematical introduction to string theory. Even though it is not slightly outdated as results from the Large Hadron Collider start to come in, it is still very useful in explaining in plain English just what string theory is all about. It is also one of the few cosmology books I've read that is evenhanded and balanced in discussing the problems with string theory and in discussing some of the opposing theories.
My only complaints are that I'd like to see a list of recommended reading and references at the end of the book. There are plenty of recommendations and references sprinkled throughout the book, so it is not lacking, but it'd really be nice to have them all together in one place.
Highly recommended for anyone curious about the universe and how it may operate, and how it may have come to be.
My only complaints are that I'd like to see a list of recommended reading and references at the end of the book. There are plenty of recommendations and references sprinkled throughout the book, so it is not lacking, but it'd really be nice to have them all together in one place.
Highly recommended for anyone curious about the universe and how it may operate, and how it may have come to be.
June 22, 2012
Is it embarrassing that I'm reading String Theory for dummies? Maybe.
But what's definitely embarrassing is that I can still barely follow it!
But what's definitely embarrassing is that I can still barely follow it!
June 7, 2020
It was a great book! I learned many things and it was not heavy on math.
February 16, 2017
Very good intro to String Theory. Author explains complex concepts with easy to understand analogies.
December 18, 2017
I appreciate the explanation of layman's explanation of string theory.
June 14, 2022
This is going way to far in the opposite direction from book previously read and reviewed. However despite the ostentatiously dumbed down format - a clever marketing gimmick I suppose - it's actually not that bad. But it isn't great either. Half the book is a rehash of a simplified physics 101. I guess he has to say something to set the context. Its OK. But there is too much of it if you know it already and surely not enough if you don't. Then there is a good 50 pages or so. A journalistic account of the history of basic developments. There's not much real substance. They're String's. Duh. Then as he attempts to cover more advanced developments and applications the treatment becomes skimpy and meandering. And there are a few cringeworthy errors. Worth a quick skim if you're a bit drunk and have nothing better to do. Otherwise I would look for something a little more advanced. But its hard to find something that just hits the spot.
September 22, 2021
Well, it was true to its name to the point where I was a little disappointed. Even though I love myself a good mathematical book, I knew I shouldn’t expect that from this particular one as it obviously promises to avoid mathematics at all costs, so no contradictions there. Yet, still it seemed a little dry at points, damp at best at others. It could have dwelled a little deeper into analogies and not rush through them to just get to another way of looking at the theory. Overall, a good pick for someone just interested to know what all the commotion about String Theory is without getting their brains twisted but for anyone interested in what is actually happening, spend your time with a more technical book!
December 27, 2021
I'm a slow reader as I have little time left but still I think this book could be a lot shorter. It does a great job covering the basics . Like a river getting too close to the sea, it starts spreading out when gets close to the main topic. I think, however, the delta is unnaturally too long. a dummy reader doesn't really need to know all those details about different kinds of in-progress discontinued versions of the strong theory.
June 27, 2018
Excellent insight
I really enjoyed reading this book due to the author’s insight into and clear explanation of the intricacies of string theory and related topics.
I really enjoyed reading this book due to the author’s insight into and clear explanation of the intricacies of string theory and related topics.
August 22, 2018
nice overview! great given its objectives, which is to show what string theory is about, not to coach you on how to do it.
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March 12, 2023Now if anyone I respect sees this book and judge🤧. I read it as a kid and I was curious not as an adult 😭
May 18, 2024
Does not get into any interesting details.
January 9, 2025
I'll need to read it twice before I understand it. I'm comfortable with classical physics, but quantum physics and strong theory will need more reading.
July 10, 2011
This is a decent introduction to a very complicated topic in theoretical physics and Zimmerman does it by avoiding mathematics completely. The approach is probably appropriate but at the same time has an odd effect when he goes over quantum mechanics and relativity. The result is approachable to the general reader.
The aims of String Theory, or M Theory is to come up with a quantum theory of gravity, explain the nature of dark matter and dark energy, explain the differences in scale between the relative strength of the basic forces, the cosmology of the big bang, the nature of blackholes. The problems with the theory include that it is not easily verifiable or falsifiable (in fact CERN has failed to find evidence of a super-symmetric boson particle so far, SUSYs), hypothesizes the existence of some 11 extra dimensions in the compactified or in the form of branes, is frame dependent (i.e. does not naturally explain spacetime, but assumes some spacetime, unlike general relativity), tends to have way too many solutions, requiring controversial use of the anthropic principle, and some issues with infinities cropping up. The main contender is quantum loop theory.
The aims of String Theory, or M Theory is to come up with a quantum theory of gravity, explain the nature of dark matter and dark energy, explain the differences in scale between the relative strength of the basic forces, the cosmology of the big bang, the nature of blackholes. The problems with the theory include that it is not easily verifiable or falsifiable (in fact CERN has failed to find evidence of a super-symmetric boson particle so far, SUSYs), hypothesizes the existence of some 11 extra dimensions in the compactified or in the form of branes, is frame dependent (i.e. does not naturally explain spacetime, but assumes some spacetime, unlike general relativity), tends to have way too many solutions, requiring controversial use of the anthropic principle, and some issues with infinities cropping up. The main contender is quantum loop theory.
August 28, 2012
String Theory for Dummies is the best way for people without an advanced mathematical background to start learning about String Theory. Basically, the main aim of this book is to teach people the fudamentals of the Theory of Everything avoinding as much mathematics as possible.
If you are a Physics enthusiast and like to learn advanced things the easy way, just like me, you will love this book. Last year, I made a school project on String Theory and during my research I realized how scarce sources are when it comes to the basics of this theory, maybe it's due to the fact that this field is not very widely researched or maybe because it's recent.
That's why this book is so groundbreaking. You'll never regret investing your money on it.
If you are a Physics enthusiast and like to learn advanced things the easy way, just like me, you will love this book. Last year, I made a school project on String Theory and during my research I realized how scarce sources are when it comes to the basics of this theory, maybe it's due to the fact that this field is not very widely researched or maybe because it's recent.
That's why this book is so groundbreaking. You'll never regret investing your money on it.
August 28, 2011
This is the first book that motivated into learning about quantum theory and string theory almost two years ago. It has a profound effect on me. I read books by Lisa Randall, Hawking , Mlodinow, Greene and Sean Carroll etc. I have even had emails from some of these famous authors. From the Dirac Equation to Hawking`s Theory of Spontaneous Creation for Universes based on Feynman`s Sum over Paths. The randomness of the universe as expressed in The Drunkards Walk by Mlodinow who also worked with Hawking. I became an atheist and scientifically literate. Thank you Andrew. I had tried beginner books before but none like this. It opened up a new world for me. It will for others. Ian Liberman
May 22, 2016
The title of String Theory for Dummies is a seeming oxymoron, which caught my attention. Despite the popular perception of string theory as the pinnacle of theoretical mumbo-jumbo, understood only by the smartest of the pocket-protecting scientific elite, Jones successfully conveys the concepts of string theory to the layman; providing the necessary context from past developments in physics (although at times this context seems irrelevant and at other times it could use expanding upon) while refraining from jargon or mathematics. Ruminating on how string theory attempts to solve the mysteries of the universe proves more enjoyable than one would think.
October 18, 2014
Mind officially blown by a "Dummies" Book. Quantum geometry? Spontaneous Broken Symmetry? AdS/CFT correspondence? Talk about subjects for further reading. And yet I can't help but wonder with all these brilliant people working on theoretical physics why we will continue to have economic issues and ethical issues even if there is a theory of everything someday.
February 16, 2014
الكتاب كويس فشخ لو عايز تاخد خلفيه عن النظريه فى المجمل وتعرف مفاهمي وخلاص مش اكتر من كده
April 15, 2014
Very enjoyable introduction to the topic. I fit the title target market perfectly! Fascinating topic and worth digging into further. It covers the basics and the counter arguments.
July 1, 2014
Sometimes hard to follow, even for dummies. :P
July 24, 2014
I must need "String Theory for the Complete Idiot" because this was over my head. Interesting though
March 16, 2015
so plain that very little gets imparted. I did learn a few things.
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December 11, 2014a good book to read
December 17, 2014
Do i need another pre book on string theory?
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April 20, 2015Confusing
February 24, 2017
String Theory has always been interesting to me and this book explains it really well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews