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A relatively modern theory, the idea is that particles are not dots in space-time but rather waves of infinitely long, one-dimensional lengths, like strings. These strings can join together and separate but require the existence of 10 or 26 dimensions for the theory to work.
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String theory Term Timeline in A Brief History of Time
The timeline below shows where the term String theory appears in A Brief History of Time. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 11
...were not a dot, but very thin lengths with one dimension. They could be open strings with ends or closed strings, like loops. Particles are in one place at one time,...
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Two strings can join, either at the ends for open strings or to create a larger circle...
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...in the atom were waves on a string, and the nuclear forces between them were strings that formed a web. These strings would have their own tension of about 10 tons.
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In the 1970s Joel Scherk and John Schwarz said string theory could describe gravity, but only if the tension were significantly higher. This would leave most...
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...garnered attention. Soon, a new version of the theory, called the heterotic string, arose. These strings could eliminate all infinities, although this is not yet proven. But the biggest problem with...
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...one-dimensional—just a line. Closer up you can identify many more points on the straw. In string theory , looking on a very small scale reveals ten dimensions. No room for space ships,...
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...life is only possible in space-times with the four flat dimensions we are used to. String theory allows some regions of the universe to have the same properties as ours, while in...
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...p-branes, which take up two or more dimensions in space, while particles are 0-brane and strings are 1-brane. Supergravity, string, and p-brane theories could all be estimations of one overarching theory,...
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Chapter 12
...it is an infinite tower of tortoises with the flat earth on their back, or string theory . Although the latter is more precise mathematically, it lacks observational evidence just as much...
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