Introduction to M-theory: Difference between revisions

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In the 1980s, a new mathematical model of [[theoretical physics]], called [[string theory]], emerged. It showed how all the different subatomic particles known to science could be constructed by hypothetical one-dimensional "strings", infinitesimal building-blocks that have only the dimension of length, but not height or width. These strings vibrate in multiple dimensions and, depending on how they vibrate, they might be seen in three-dimensional space as matter, light or gravity. In string theory, every form of matter is said to be the result of the vibration of strings.

However, for string theory to be mathematically consistent, the strings must live in a universe with ten [[dimension]]s. String theory explains our perception of the universe to have four dimensions (three space dimensions and one time dimension) by imagining that the extra six dimensions are "curled up", to be so small that they can't be observed day-to-day. The technical term for this is ''[[Compactification (physics)|compactification]].'' PhysicistsThese speculateddimensions thatare theusually compactifiedmade dimensionsto tooktake the shape of mathematical objects called [[Calabi–Yau manifold]]s.

Five major string theories were developed and found to be mathematically consistent with the principle of all matter being made of strings. Having five different versions of string theory was seen as a puzzle.