Unravel the secrets of the universe and untangle cutting-edge physicsYes, 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.* Brush up on the basics of physics and the approachable math needed to understand string theory* Meet the scientists who discovered string theory and continue to make waves (and particles) in the physics world* Understand what it's all about with real-world examples and explanations* Learn why string theory is called "The Theory of Everything"--and what it means for technology and the futureAspiring 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.

Introduction 1Part 1: Introducing String Theory 5Chapter 1: So What Is String Theory Anyway? 7Chapter 2: The Physics Road Dead-Ends at Quantum Gravity 21Chapter 3: Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory 35Part 2: The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built 45Chapter 4: Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science 47Chapter 5: What You Must Know about Classical Physics 61Chapter 6: Revolutionizing Space and Time: Einstein's Relativity 81Chapter 7: Brushing Up on Quantum Theory Basics 101Chapter 8: The Standard Model of Particle Physics 119Chapter 9: Physics in Space: Considering Cosmology and Astrophysics 141Part 3: Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything 161Chapter 10: Early Strings and Superstrings: Unearthing the Theory's Beginnings 163Chapter 11: M-Theory and Beyond: Bringing String Theory Together 187Chapter 12: Exploring Strings and Their Landscape 203Chapter 13: Gaining Insights from the Holographic Principle 217Chapter 14: Putting String Theory to the Test 237Part 4: The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory on the Boundaries of Knowledge 261Chapter 15: Making Space for Extra Dimensions 263Chapter 16: Our Universe -- String Theory, Cosmology, and Astrophysics 279Chapter 17: Have Time, Will Travel 297Part 5: What the Other Guys Say: Criticisms and Alternatives 317Chapter 18: Taking a Closer Look at the String Theory Controversy 319Chapter 19: Loop Quantum Gravity: String Theory's Biggest Competitor 339Chapter 20: Considering Other Ways to Explain the Universe 349Part 6: The Part of Tens 365Chapter 21: Ten Tests for a Theory of Quantum Gravity 367Index 373