RVML's Video & Discussion Series- The Elegant Universe Part 1of 3- Einstein's Dream
All Tueday evening events at
RVML are FREE ADMISSION
Description:
A Theory of Everything?
Some physicists believe string theory may unify the forces of nature.
(An Excerpt from an article by Brian Greene, author of The Elegant Universe)
The fundamental particles of the universe that physicists have identified-electrons, neutrinos, quarks, and so on-are the "letters" of all matter. Just like their linguistic counterparts, they appear to have no further internal substructure. String theory proclaims otherwise. According to string theory, if we could examine these particles with even greater precision- a precision many orders of magnitude beyond our present technological capacity- we would find that each is not pointlike but instead consists of a tiny, one-dimensional loop. Like an infinitely thin rubber band, each particle contains a vibrating, oscillating, dancing filament that physicists have named a string.
Although it is by no means obvious, this simple replacement of point-particle material constituents with strings resolves the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and general relativity (which, as currently formulated, cannot both be right). String theory thereby unravels the central Gordian knot of contemporary theoretical physics. This is a tremendous achievement, but it is only part of the reason string theory has generated such excitement.
In Einstein's day, the strong and weak forces had not yet been discovered, but he found the existence of even two distinct forces- gravity and electromagnetism- deeply troubling. Einstein did not accept that nature is founded on such an extravagant design. This launched his 30-year voyage in search of the so-called unified field theory that he hoped would show that these two forces are really manifestations of one grand underlying principle. This quixotic quest isolated Einstein from the mainstream of physics, which, understandably, was far more excited about delving into the newly emerging framework of quantum mechanics. He wrote to a friend in the early 1940s, "I have become a lonely old chap who is mainly known because he doesn't wear socks and who is exhibited as a curiosity on special occasions."
Einstein was simply ahead of his time. More than half a century later, his dream of a unified theory has become the Holy Grail of modern physics. And a sizeable part of the physics and mathematics community is becoming increasingly convinced that string theory may provide the answer. From one principle- that everything at its most microscopic level consists of combinations of vibrating strands- string theory provides a single explanatory framework capable of encompassing all forces and all matter.
Watch Online:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/program.html
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Tuesday evening event formats:
1) Video/Discussion Format:
60 Minute video
10 Minute break
50 Minute discussion
2) Lecture/Presentation Format:
90-120 Minute presentation including break and Q&A period.
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RVML's MISSION STATEMENT: "Providing easy access to a comprehensive collection of metaphysical, spiritual, and paranormal information that inspires and transforms."
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RENT RVML's LECTURE HALL: The 1,000 square-foot (15'x65') presentation area is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible with full audio-visual capabilities available. Eighty folding chairs can be arranged in different configurations for meetings, lectures, and gatherings. Cost: $15.00 per hour, 2 hour minimum. Includes free e-mail and web-calendar advertising. Other publicity and production services available. More information:
http://www.rvml.org/contact.shtml